Jeremiah 6:16 (AMPC), “Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it!”

In the context of this verse, the Israelites were in a very dangerous situation. The Babylonian military leaders were preparing to attack Judah and place Jerusalem under siege. Against this enemy, they were powerless, their only hope for salvation was the Lord. The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with them, to turn their hearts back towards the Lord, call on His Name, and remember His covenant with them. If they would just be willing to give up their sinful ways and worship of foreign gods, and walk in His ways, He would answer their cries and move miraculously on their behalf - just as He did, so many times before. But the people of Judah and Benjamin refused to pay any attention to the Lord’s invitation to help. Their stubbornness to live their own way, by their own standards was more important to them than their much-needed deliverance. They were more trusting of their own ideas to make an allegiance with Egypt than their covenant with the Lord. Jeremiah’s advice in The Message Translation says, “Ask for directions to the old road, the tried-and-true road…” God’s ways of righteousness are tried and true and completely for the benefit and prosperity of our souls! In Matthew 11:29 Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.” No matter how impossible our deliverance from trouble may seem, following God’s ways and placing our full trust in Him, will always lead us into triumph and bring true peace and rest to our souls! Hebrews 4:2-3 speaks of how God’s people, whether in the Old Testament, or New, have a guarantee of deliverance and rest for our souls, if we just mix faith with His Word.  Wholeheartedly trusting Him and His Word causes us to walk in His perfect way for us. A way that was, “…completed and prepared [and waiting for all who would believe] from the foundation of the world.” Trust the Lord, walk in His ways, and you will prosper and be in perfect peace.