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PROGRAM D-8169
What should you do when you’re not really sure what to do? How do you decide what to do when you have to make a choice, but you’re just not sure what to do?
Jeremiah 6:16 gives us some very wise counsel:
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
It is vitally important to stand at the crossroad and gain an eternal perspective, to look beyond the immediate results and ask, “What difference will this make in eternity?”
Jeremiah also says we are to ask for the ancient paths. Ancient paths? In other words, do it the old-fashioned way, do what my mother says I should do, and make choices that aren’t cool? In our modern world, ancient paths are not highly respected or desired. Outdated and narrow would be the words many would use to describe these ancient paths. Why would we want to choose ancient paths?
Because the ancient paths are God’s paths. He is the eternal God—the Ancient of Days he is called—and his paths are from ancient. They don’t change because they don’t need to change. They are true and good for all time. They are the paths that have proven to be the good paths.
Therefore, we must ask for the ancient paths. We should literally pray, “God, show me the ancient paths as I face this crossroads. Show me your way.” We are often inclined to let the world dictate our paths—to do what everyone else is doing and to choose the cool way. Its allurements make rash promises that they can never fulfill. They look good, but oh, they lead you astray. Instead, ask for the ancient paths.
In addition to asking God, seek godly counselors and ask them for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is. Sometimes you need to ask for directions. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Don’t be too proud to ask for guidance from godly people who will have a better perspective than yours.
If you’re facing a crossroad in life, stand and look, ask for the ancient paths, the good way, and seek godly counsel. Don’t rush headlong into a wrong choice that you will regret.