The Ancient Paths

Last week we reflected on these words from the prophet Jeremiah: "Stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies, and walk in it. And find rest for your souls." (6:16)

In this short passage there is a call to reflection: stand and look. And then action: ask, walk — and find.

Reflection and action. Because a deeper faith, an inner reserve, the peace and light that we crave — and that the world craves — is not just handed to us, is it? It requires something of us.

It requires us to walk the path. To pay attention. To notice where God is at work. To ask the tough questions, engage in the spiritual practices, and have an honest conversation with our own traditions.

And here is the good news: we don't walk it alone. These ancient paths have been worn deep by countless others who walked before us — people who doubted, who struggled, who kept going anyway. The path is proven. The question is simply whether we are willing to step onto it.

Prayer: Loving God, you have not left us without direction. You have marked a way — worn deep by those who walked before us in faith. Give us the courage to step onto that path, and the patience to walk it faithfully, one day at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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