Thus says the Lord: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'"
—Jeremiah 6: 16
Israel was a mess. Their prophets spoke lies, telling the people, "Peace, peace," when in actuality, war and destruction were coming. Israel refused to recognize God any longer. Instead, they worshiped gods of materialism, pleasures, and education. Covetousness reigned. Even the priests were corrupt. The foundations of their society had eroded away.
Seeing their future, God warned them. "You are plunging towards destruction. Stop for a moment and look where this path is leading you."
And then the Lord advised that they "ask for the old paths." What were those old paths? Belief in God and belief in the infallibility of God's Word.
The old path is one of total reliance upon God.
God's path is the only path that offers true rest. When you completely trust God, placing all things in His hands, you find the rest your soul yearns for.
Perhaps you have been caught up in the restlessness of this world and you find yourself on a treadmill— always walking and never getting anywhere. The pressures of life have you full of worries and anxieties. Look at the path beneath your feet. Move yourself back to the old path. It is as easy as getting on your knees before God. Ask Him to forgive you for straying and to bring you back to a place of dependence and trust.
Father, forgive us for wandering. We ask that You bring us to that place of complete trust in You. Bring us back to the old path of faith. Amen.