Sunday, May 30

Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
—Jeremiah 6:16a

When we stand at the crossroads, when we are in a process of discernment, when we are ready to make a decision, when we are searching for alternative ways of thinking and being, we are easily given to reaching for the latest self-help book or magazine article that might address our situation.

We try new psychological techniques, we seek to modify our behavior, we make affirmations, we consult therapists, friends and colleagues. We find ourselves immersed in information and ideas, but our souls can still feel muddled and unsure.

It might be time to step away from the self-help books, the trendy techniques, the endless conversations with others who are close to us. It might be time to go backward. To begin to peel away the layers that hide the gems of the ancient ways. It is not as if every ancient teaching or tradition is good and right, but there is ancient wisdom that can inform our lives in ways we had not expected.

We can find in the very search for hidden truths that the Holy One is leading us on a good and silent path that eventually will bring us to greater clarity. In our surprise, our souls will become thankful and still.

O God, let me find in the ancient ways the jewels that remain hidden unless I step away from my need to be contemporary and relevant.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2004.