"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein" (Jeremiah 6:16).
This challenge from the prophet is a message that is much needed today. Many people are looking for new things and new ways to get to God or to get peace and satisfaction. This single verse makes it plain where you need to start looking.
1. Look to the "old paths"
By casting off what has worked for millennia, you are sure not to find the secrets of peace and joy. Others found it and enjoyed it for many years. The "old paths" here refers to the instruction that God gave them previously in the Word of God.
2. Ask for "the good way"
The "good way" refers to the way that is proven to bring joy and peace. The New Testament makes a similar claim by testifying that the believer is not to be "conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." This verse teaches that by doing the will of God, you will discover that His will is not only "good" and "acceptable," but it is also "perfect." Believers have testified of this through the ages.
3. "And walk therein"
This means learn it and do it. God will help you once you become His child by a new spiritual birth. It cannot be done apart from it. You need to have a heart that is forgiven and made new by believing on the saving power of Christ – then He will change you.
4. And "ye shall find rest for your souls"
It appears that Christ was referring to this same verse when He made the following promise in Mt. 11:28,29: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Notice that He uses the word "rest" two times. This is a spiritual rest that is satisfied and at peace. It is at rest because this person is confident that God has removed all of his or her sin and has given them eternal life. Their eternal destiny is settled and they do not need to work for it. Christ has provided the way and will take them to glory.
The saved person that also walks therein is not anxious about life or provision because they are confident that God will take care of them.
If you are looking to find "rest" of mind and soul about your eternal destination, you need to look to Christ. Millions of people of the past have testified of the rest that Christ gives them because of forgiveness and a sure salvation. Even today, many more millions of believers have also discovered the "rest" He gives.
Have you discovered it yet? Will you turn from sin and ask Him to save you today?
===
Keywords: rest, old paths, joy, peace, Christ, salvation, eternal destination, forgiveness