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
Even with Google Maps or a good GPS, it is still possible to get lost in a new city.
The unusual events of 2020 have made even our own hometowns feel like foreign places. Neighborhood gathering spots are closed. Favorite pastimes like sporting events and concerts are cancelled. Many churches only operate online. Some downtown areas are marred by looting and fire.
It can be difficult and wearisome to know what to think of all these changes. Determining whom to trust can be next to impossible, when politics taints every subject. So where can we go when we are lost?
Turn to the Old Ways
Turn to the old ways. Follow the path that God has laid out for us, and have faith that He will never abandon us. Lean on Him as you walk, and you will find rest.
In a book about WW2 a paediatrician made the statement that the clouds were the only thing that remained the same in a world of total mess and utter destruction. I feel each day looking at clouds can teach us lessons. Psalm 36:5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
First, thank you for eloquently acknowledging the lost-ness of 2020.
Second, I love this verse. Years ago we started a tradition of quoting it at exactly 6:16. Some evenings we happen to catch 6:16 on the kitchen clock; other evenings we miss it. Sometimes the verse is quoted in pleasant unison. Other times it’s a loud, fun, cacophonous mess as our kids race to start or finish first.
Third, something about your post hits me at a deep level. I think it’s because the dual application of the crossroads metaphor leads my brain to a dual application of the hometown metaphor.
We have all experienced literal crossroads and actual hometowns. We are also familiar with figurative crossroads where we make Robert Frost-like decisions, turning left or right, trying to follow the Lord in faith. But what about figurative hometowns? What if the hometown symbolizes our relationships?
“The unusual events of 2020 have made even our own hometowns feel like foreign places. Neighborhood gathering spots are closed. Favorite pastimes like sporting events and concerts are cancelled. Many churches only operate online. Some downtown areas are marred by looting and fire.”
Previously familiar friendships feel foreign. Connections are closed or cancelled, hopefully temporarily. Some relationships are marred.
For the better part of 20 years we have spent these last days of December with you and Casey at the Williamsburg conference. My heart has been missing that time of contemplation and closeness. I am going to imagine that you and I have just spent the week together, with hymns and songs and scripture reading and talks and afternoon group conversations and hallway side conversations. I am going to picture saying goodbye to you today, on the 31st, and you saying this as we part: “Turn to the old ways. Follow the path that God has laid out for us, and have faith that He will never abandon us. Lean on Him as you walk, and you will find rest.” Thank you for these words, Becky.
Oh, Corina, you have almost made me cry. You have eloquently pointed out what my post was missing, but what has been the worst part of the last year for me. Even though I am an introvert, I miss my peeps. I miss you.
I will take up your imaginary scenario, and add to it — as we part after our wonderful Williamsburg days, I give you a big hug and we sniff back our tears, knowing that God will be with us til we meet again.
❤️
God’s words and power has guided people for thousands of years. There is nothing new under the sun. How wonderful it is to know that God is with us as He was with our forefathers, and that He will guide us as He guided them. God’s hands are steady as they lead us onward toward His Kingdom.
Thank you.
Yes, the ways of man vary like the wind and waves.
God’s ways don’t and won’t change, a perfect testimony of His merciful truth.
Thank You This is GREAT xo