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Wondering Which Way is Best? Are the Directions Correct?

Home » Spiritual Growth » Wondering Which Way is Best? Are the Directions Correct?
Wondering Which Way is Best? Are the Directions Correct?

Recently, Rick and I were driving along an interstate highway in eastern Illinois and needed a break. We stopped at the next wayside rest area. When we walked around the sidewalks through the grassy area, we noticed a sign pointing to a short trail. Since we had the time and needed to stretch our legs, we decided to take it.

The path went near a pond, wound through the prairie with blooming thistle and Queen Anne’s Lace wildflowers. We entered a grove of trees, which gave relief to us from the sunny, late summer day.

A brown trail marker pointed the way through the woods. At the end of the trail were some old graves, marked from the 1800s, of pioneers crossing the Illinois prairie.

We learned a bit of history, enjoyed the short hike, and headed back to the car; however, this brown sign was the most memorable.

Which way is Best?

Which way do we go?

It looked like the people should follow the arrow, but were heading in a different direction.

I laughed at the sign, wondering how it also reflects seeking God’s direction. When we have to make decisions, we seek God and pray. Sometimes we ask for a sign from above, as an indicator of the way to go.

But if we saw a definite sign, would we follow it? Or would we be like the depiction on this trail sign, and head the opposite way?

Which path is the best way?

Jeremiah 6:16 we read,

“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.

In Hebrew, the phrase “ask for the ancient path” has depth of meaning. The normal understanding is choosing between two paths when making a hard decision. “The ancient path” has dual meanings. One is the common understanding of antiquity, of recalling heritage, remembering what the forerunners of faith would do.

Seek God's direction Jeremiah 6:16

Another meaning has a future implication, having an eternal dimension, In other words, choose the path that is tried and true from antiquity that also secures a future with all eternity. Remembering the wisdom from the past continues to guide us into the future. Recalling how God worked in past situations also guides us and gives hope for the future.

From everlasting to everlasting, God is faithful.

Ask where the good way is, which is the way to bring God glory. It is also the way of obedience. Will God be honored by the decision? Whatever we do to show God’s glory to others is the best way. Colossians 3:23 offers directions for living.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Colossians 3:23 directions

The verse in Jeremiah concludes with a promise:

“walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Step by step, by following the way of wisdom from the Word of God, our trust grows deeper in the Lord.

The way may not be easy, but you will have strength from the Lord.

Sometimes a posted sign helps, but only if we choose to follow the direction.

When the Lord points the way, it is best to obey and follow where He leads.

Are your directions correct?

Tagged: directions, Jeremiah 6:16, path, trail

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Blanche

    October 20, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    I love that verse, Nancy, and your illustration gave me a laugh. A neat devotional.

  2. RJ Thesman

    October 20, 2020 at 2:12 pm

    An important post, especially during our confusing times.

  3. Edward Arrington

    October 20, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    I enjoyed this, especially because my wife and I like to travel and just recently were traveling from one city to another about 700 miles from home. I use my phone GPS when traveling. Unlike God, the GPS does not allow questions and give answers in the middle of a trip. Once you choose one of the routes presented, you go wherever it directs you, even if it’s on a cowpath rather than a highway. Thank God, we can always ask if we are on His best route for us when it doesn’t look very promising.

  4. JoAnne M Eggebraaten

    October 20, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    Another good one. You have such a wonderful gift of putting things down in writing that is enjoyable to read. Thank you.
    Would have enjoyed that walk too.

  5. Nancy Kay Grace

    October 20, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    thanks, Blanche! Glad it spoke to your heart. Be blessed!

  6. Nancy Kay Grace

    October 20, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    thanks, Rebecca! It’s confusing to follow conflicting messages. God’s Word is so foundational!

  7. Nancy Kay Grace

    October 20, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    Thanks, Edward! I think I’ve been some cowpath directions from the GPS! Thanks for bringing out that God allows questions for His best route for us. Be blessed!

  8. Nancy Kay Grace

    October 20, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    thanks, JoAnne! I appreciate your kind words. The walk was an unexpected discovery at a the rest area, and we enjoyed exploring it.

  9. Fran Smith

    October 20, 2020 at 10:36 pm

    Nancy, this whole devotion was wonderfully insightful, applicable and such a joy to read!
    The “neon lit” for me was “Will God be honored by the decision? Whatever we do to show God’s glory to others is the best way.”
    You always give such good pondering! 😉 thank you!

  10. Nancy Kay Grace

    October 21, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    Thanks, Fran! Sometimes I think we forget to look at the smaller instances in our lives as opportunities to show God’s glory. Be blessed!

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