Where's The Ancient Path?


"Do you know how to get to the other end of this road?"
I was stuck. I was following my gps to go to someone's home, and only about a mile away the road was blocked by a construction crew. "You can't go through. There's an open gas line being repaired." I was fine with the reroute since I'm allergic to exploding, but this still presented a problem. I didn't really know where I was, and the Australian woman's voice on my gps app just kept telling me to turn around and go back. I hadn't gone too far when I spotted a local deli and pulled in. 
"Are you from around here?" I asked the man and woman talking in the lot. The man was so startled by my question that he literally lofted his coffee into the air and it crashed to the pavement spilling everywhere. Maybe he's in the witness protection program or something. I felt bad, but had my own problem and explained my situation. The woman was from around there and explained to me in great detail how to get to the other end. As she spoke the man just kept glancing down at his coffee until he finally decided to go get another cup.
Sometimes you need someone who's been around a while in order to know what to do. The prophet used these words;

"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'." Jeremiah 6:16.

Life always has something new to offer. Sometimes those new ways or methods can be good and helpful, but I have found I have learned the most in life from those who have gone before me. Those who know the Scriptures well, and have walked in them, are often able to point you in the right direction. You can't get that type of counsel from just anyone with gray hair. It has to come from someone who has genuinely walked with God. They won't be perfect, but they know the way. What was good 50 years ago is still good. When we walk the narrow way we find rest for our souls.
The woman's directions were spot on, and I reached my destination. I hope that man was able to enjoy his coffee. It's 6:30 am, and I'm enjoying mine.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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