“This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.” But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’” Jeremiah 6:16 NLT
This is a strong word for a Monday morning, but I was at an event on Saturday and this verse came up. It’s God, calling out the stubbornness of Israel, who simply refused to trust Him and it always led to spiritual ruin! It’s the essence of sin that we first see in the garden of Eden – God offers relationship, rest in His perfect way, and instead man chooses disobedience, wrongfully thinking it’s going to lead to a better outcome, but it never does! The challenge for us at the meeting was to take a moment to stop, to acknowledge the crossroads we might be at right now, to address any pride or stubbornness in our own hearts, and to repent, to make that turn back to God’s way, understanding that only His way leads to real rest, to fruitful relationship with Him, and to becoming the Church He needs us to be. Lord, forgive me for the times I have chosen not to trust You, for my stubbornness of heart. Save me from pursuing what looks good rather than walking the path of the old, godly way. As I choose to listen to You this week, please make Your direction clear, and may You find my heart responsive to Your voice, so that I can truly experience the rest you have promised, my life proclaiming Christ in all I do and say. Amen 🙏🏼