Walk on the Old Paths

One day, I was watching a documentary about a man who took an annual hiking trip to the same trail. One year, he decided to try out a different path. Everything was fine at the beginning, but he was soon lost and alone for several days. This change in route almost cost him his life.

After watching this program, I thought it was strange that this man decided to detour from his original path. Why didn’t he just stick to his usual path? He had taken it for many years and was familiar with its surroundings. Then it struck me: Are we still walking on the “old paths”?

            Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls...” (Jeremiah 6:16)

The old paths, which is God’s way, is ultimately the best way; it has been tried and tested before by the ancient saints and apostles in the Bible. The world constantly offers new ways that seem appealing. It teaches us to believe solely in ourselves and that relying on God is old-fashioned. People of the world seek things that make them feel good but reject the idea of suffering for doing what is right. We may follow these trends because we feel that the old paths are too mundane, but we are oblivious to the fact that this new path could lead us to spiritual death.

As the prophet Jeremiah encourages the people, we need to pause in our busy lives and see which path we are on. We should be constantly alert and ensure that we are on the old path where the good way is.

Let us reflect on our actions, speech, and thoughts and make sure it is according to God’s words and His teachings. As God promises us, His path will lead us to find rest for our souls.

Questions for Reflection

1.      Which path are we walking on today?

2.      If we are not walking according to God’s way, what are some things we could do to get us back on the right path?