August 22, 2024

Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

Jeremiah 6:16

Lord Jesus, show me today those blessed, ancient paths, and the good way that I might walk in it and find rest for my weary soul. Even now reveal to me Your steps that I might walk in them, Your footprints that I might follow them, that I might find the comfort that I am longing for. For You know that I am tired, my body longing for a respite from the struggles of life. I am continually pressed on every side. The weight of life often is more than I can bear. 

In You alone can I find what I long for. I confess that I have many times traveled down paths which seemed right to me in the moment only to find that they led to a dead end. When I take a step back and ask myself why I have not gone in the way that has been proven by those who have proceeded me, I cannot help but shake my head in disbelief at how much wanting to be “right” influences my decisions versus wanting to be righteous. As a result I have missed the good way, walking instead in a way that seems right.

Today, my soul asks that You would walk with me as I stroll those ancient paths, learning of You and find what I have longed for and have been created to enjoy. As the psalmist exclaims, take me to that rock that is higher than I! As I meditate on this verse, the song that resonates in my heart,

          I’m pressing on the upward way,
          New heights I’m gaining every day;
          Still praying as I onward bound,
          Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
          Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
          By faith on Canaan’s tableland;
          A higher plane than I have found,
          Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground!