My family and I just returned from our spring adventure–family camping trip at Tyler State Park. The weather was just about ideal, and we stood in awe of God’s creation. Of course, we ate good food, tried to fish a little :), hiked, and I was actually able to slip away and get a trail run in through the park’s incredible trail system. One of the interesting features this year was the effect on the landscape caused by the prescribed burning in select areas. I knew that there were hills and good undulation through the park, but with the burn taking out the majority of the understory in some places it was a sight to see–really like a park-like setting in the middle of the forest–beautiful.
The picture above was taken in the middle of the run, and what struck me was the stark contrast between the worn running path and burned area on both sides. And then this verse hit me hard…
“Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls…”
Jeremiah 6:16
The Lord was speaking through the pen of the prophet, Jeremiah, and was warning His chosen people–Israel–to return to Him–to His Word. They had taken the easy path away from God and toward the things of this world, and like the Good Shepherd, God was calling them back to the ancient paths of His Word and Way.
Are there times when you stray from what you know to be a biblical direction? Maybe you’ve let your temper get the best of you? Maybe porn has become an addiction with no end in sight? Perhaps it’s spending money or having to be in the “know” on everyone’s life and business? Is it a small sin that you think really doesn’t matter in the “big picture”? Grumbling about life? Nursing resentment? Complaining and having an unforgiving or bitter spirit? Or is it the “Just a little bit longer” or “I’m too busy” statements that keep you from time meditating upon and reading God’s Word? Then there are the bosses (and friends) that make it hard to say “no” when you know that you should in order to accomplish things that carry higher priorities. Really, there are a plethora of various and myriad things that keep us away from the ancient paths–the biblical direction for our lives–the path beaten hard by those who have come before us.
Just like the path above–the well-beaten path–there is a direction that the Lord gives you through His Word. In addition, there are those who have come before us, and have clearly marked the way. As I was running through the forest I saw that it was smoldering and black with ash, but the path was clear, it was beaten hard, and I was able to navigate through the hill’s ups and downs because of its stark contrast. The reality is, those who are Christian are walking on a well-beaten path from those who have cleared the way. Theirs was a path of blood, of sweat, and of tears. Their life may be over now, but the Lord allows it to echo into generations beyond. And now, we can walk upon its ground and find that though it is rocky and craggy at times, it is nevertheless the good way–the way toward our final resting place. God’s Word and the example of faithful men and women–the ancient paths, the good way!
Carry on, pilgrim, carry on. Soon we shall be home, a little while longer, a few more bends, and we’ll see Beulah Land–and our glorious God. Keep climbing…keep on a climbing.
“O Thou who wast, and art, and art to come, I thank Thee that this Christian way whereon I walk is no untried or uncharted road, but a road beaten hard by the footsteps of saints, apostles, prophets, and martyrs.” – Diary of Private Prayer, John Baillie, p. 26
— March 10, 2017