Ask Where The Good Way Is

From the Rest in God Devotional Series

Today I’m sharing the third devotion in the 6-week Rest in God Devotional Series on this Blog and on the Podcast and it’s called “Ask Where The Good Way Is” based on Jeremiah 6:16.

Listen to the Podcast episode and if you have time go through the written down devotion below too.

Ask Where The Good Way Is – Podcast S1 E3

Focus verse

‘This is what the Lord says: “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.’

Jeremiah 6:16

Devotion

In the world, there’s a constant focus on self and people doing whatever makes them happy.

Unfortunately, even within Christian circles, there can be an emphasis on self instead of God. How God is going to fulfil your dreams. How God is going to use you. How God is going to favour you. If only you have enough faith, the message goes, you will achieve your dreams.

When I was a less mature Christian, I believed the Bible was about me. I believed that every verse that said “you” was addressing me directly. It was only much later that I realised the Bible wasn’t ultimately about me, (although it was applicable to me) but about God, about His will, goodness and holiness.

God wasn’t some kind of genie in the bottle who I needed to rub the right way to get my wish fulfilment. I came to see that God was sovereign and a good Holy God whose will was sometimes different from my own, but it produced righteousness, deep satisfaction and true joy.

This verse in Jeremiah points out that true rest is found in surrender to God’s will. It’s about asking God what His good way is, and then walking in it.

When we go after our own desires we get stressed because we don’t know the Big Picture and sometimes our desires are wrong. But when we surrender to God’s will, we know we can be at rest because He knows the end from the beginning, He’s good and He will cause all things to work together for our good and His glory.

Questions for reflection

• Are there certain situations that you are trying to control, perhaps even in relation to your children, instead of asking God for His will?
• What truths about God do you need to remind yourself of to help you give up control and surrender to Him?

Prayer

Lord God, forgive me for when I try to control my life instead of surrendering to your will. Help me read and meditate on scripture so that I can learn your pleasing will for me and my life. Help me to surrender my children to you, instead of believing I need to be in control. May I find rest in your Sovereignty, Holiness and Faithfulness. Help me teach my children to also surrender to You.

Amen.