The Ancient Paths

I adjusted my hat to shade my eyes while admiring the fields of rolling grass on either side of us. The land of rest was beautiful.  So peaceful.  So majestic. The horses came to a halt beside a dry riverbed.

“Here we are,” Rest announced.

“Where are we exactly?” I asked.

“We are drawing closer.  We have come inland from the lands of Sabbath – where your body finds rest – to the place where you find rest for your soul.”

Rest dismounted. I followed suit.  He walked into the riverbed, hooking his thumbs in his belt loops. “Thus says the LORD,” He began, “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.”

I was clueless.  What in the world was he talking about?

He looked at me again and instructed, ”Stand by the roads,” he motioned me towards the banks of the old river. “Ask for the ancient paths,” he continued, “where the good way is.”

I shrugged my shoulders, “So, I ask for the ancient path?”

He nodded, “Good, now walk in it.” He pointed to where he stood in the riverbed.

I walked out to meet him. “So, this is the ancient path, then? This riverbed? This is the good way?” I had many questions, though asking them ceased when I felt water begin to flow around my feet. Moments later, Rest and I stood knee deep in a river.

“Out of your mouth will flow rivers of living water,” He explained, “The soul finds its rest in reminding itself of where the water has flowed before- the ancient path – the promises of God and the testimonies of his faithfulness. Here, who He was meets who He is, and reveals who He will always be.  The soul, prone to wander and prone to worry, finds rest in standing in and speaking of the tried and true flow of the goodness of God. “

It was still a bit much to get my head around. Rest could see that written on my face.

“Why don’t we follow the river, and see what it reveals?” He invited.

I nodded.