DEVOTION:
Jeremiah 6:16
“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.”
The photo above was taken on Friday as I spent the day with my four sisters walking and talking. It was a joyous day to remember the paths we have taken together. The photo was one I took when I wandered up ahead and just had quiet time, thanking God for this very special day. I thought I would share it with you and explain where my thoughts went.
THOUGHT:
There’s something deeply spiritual about a quiet country path. As you stand at the entrance to one — where sunlight filters gently through the trees, where the road bends out of sight — your soul is invited into reflection. The path ahead is unknown, but it is welcoming. It’s a reminder that the journey of faith is not meant to be a sprint or a spectacle. It’s a steady, intentional walk with God.
The prophet Jeremiah once called God’s people to “stand at the crossroads” — to pause, reflect, and seek the “ancient paths,” the way that leads to life. They had become so consumed with their own plans, their own ambitions, that they’d forgotten to ask where God was leading. Their feet were busy, but their direction was lost.
Our lives can look much the same. We hurry forward, trying to manage everything — careers, relationships, responsibilities — but forget to slow down long enough to ask, “Lord, where is the good way? Where do You want me to walk?” The beauty of the path in this image is that it isn’t paved or polished. It’s natural, humble, and unhurried — just like the walk of faith God invites us into.
Did you also notice? You can’t see the end. It winds through the trees and disappears into the distance. That’s how faith works. God rarely shows us the entire journey at once. Instead, He calls us to trust Him with the next step — and the one after that — believing that the path He’s leading us on is good, even if we can’t yet see the destination.
Take time this week to pause and ask God to guide your steps. The beauty of the journey is not just in where you’re going — it’s in Who walks beside you.
PRAYER:Almighty and Holy God, as the song, Morning has Broken” reminds us that each day is a day You have created. As the darkness will soon give way to this new day we pause to thank You. Thank You for Your abundant love — a love that meets us right where we are and never lets us go. Thank You for Your mercy — new every morning, steady and sure, even when we fall short.
We are grateful, Lord, for this church family You’ve knit together — brothers and sisters in Christ who bind ourselves in Your presence and walk with one another, laugh together, and lift one another up in prayer. We thank You for the gift of friendship, for the encouragement we find in fellowship, and for the way You show Your heart through the people around us. We also lift before You our extended families — near and far. Bless them with peace, with health, and with a deeper awareness of Your presence in their lives. May Your love, and the sacrifice of Your Son, be the anchor that holds us all together, even across miles and seasons.
And, Father, we especially bring before You those who are walking through valleys this morning — those facing trials, losses, grief, or uncertainty. Surround them with Your comfort. Remind them that they are not alone. Give them strength for this day, hope for tomorrow, and the assurance that Your hand is still holding theirs. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers — spoken and unspoken. Thank You for loving us far more than we could ever deserve. May all we do and say this morning bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen.
DEVOTION:
Jeremiah 6:16
“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.”
THOUGHT:
There’s something deeply spiritual about a quiet country path. As you stand at the entrance to one — where sunlight filters gently through the trees, where the road bends out of sight — your soul is invited into reflection. The path ahead is unknown, but it is welcoming. It’s a reminder that the journey of faith is not meant to be a sprint or a spectacle. It’s a steady, intentional walk with God.
The prophet Jeremiah once called God’s people to “stand at the crossroads” — to pause, reflect, and seek the “ancient paths,” the way that leads to life. They had become so consumed with their own plans, their own ambitions, that they’d forgotten to ask where God was leading. Their feet were busy, but their direction was lost.
Our lives can look much the same. We hurry forward, trying to manage everything — careers, relationships, responsibilities — but forget to slow down long enough to ask, “Lord, where is the good way? Where do You want me to walk?” The beauty of the path in this image is that it isn’t paved or polished. It’s natural, humble, and unhurried — just like the walk of faith God invites us into.
Did you also notice? You can’t see the end. It winds through the trees and disappears into the distance. That’s how faith works. God rarely shows us the entire journey at once. Instead, He calls us to trust Him with the next step — and the one after that — believing that the path He’s leading us on is good, even if we can’t yet see the destination.
Take time this week to pause and ask God to guide your steps. The beauty of the journey is not just in where you’re going — it’s in Who walks beside you.
Almighty and Holy God, as the song, Morning has Broken” reminds us that each day is a day You have created. As the darkness will soon give way to this new day we pause to thank You. Thank You for Your abundant love — a love that meets us right where we are and never lets us go. Thank You for Your mercy — new every morning, steady and sure, even when we fall short.
We are grateful, Lord, for this church family You’ve knit together — brothers and sisters in Christ who bind ourselves in Your presence and walk with one another, laugh together, and lift one another up in prayer. We thank You for the gift of friendship, for the encouragement we find in fellowship, and for the way You show Your heart through the people around us. We also lift before You our extended families — near and far. Bless them with peace, with health, and with a deeper awareness of Your presence in their lives. May Your love, and the sacrifice of Your Son, be the anchor that holds us all together, even across miles and seasons.
And, Father, we especially bring before You those who are walking through valleys this morning — those facing trials, losses, grief, or uncertainty. Surround them with Your comfort. Remind them that they are not alone. Give them strength for this day, hope for tomorrow, and the assurance that Your hand is still holding theirs. Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers — spoken and unspoken. Thank You for loving us far more than we could ever deserve. May all we do and say this morning bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen.
