Have you ever felt like life was a maze with paths that lead nowhere? The noise, the hustle, the pressure — it all seems overwhelming. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, God invites us to a journey of peace and purpose. In Jeremiah 6:16 (NKJV), the Lord speaks a timeless invitation:
“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.’”
This verse calls us to seek the “ancient paths,” the tried and true ways established by God Himself. These are not outdated traditions but divine principles that lead to life, peace, and deep intimacy with God. Unfortunately, as in Jeremiah’s time, many choose to ignore this call, opting for their own paths, and in turn, missing out on the profound rest that God promises.
But what does it look like to walk these ancient paths today? Let’s explore four foundational principles: obedience, dependence on the Holy Spirit, sensitivity to God’s voice, and exercising spiritual dominion.
1. Walking in Obedience: The Foundation of Priesthood
Obedience is a word that often carries a heavy connotation, but in God’s kingdom, it is the gateway to true freedom and intimacy. Think of it like a parent-child relationship. A loving parent gives instructions not to burden but to protect and guide. Similarly, God’s call for obedience is an invitation to align ourselves with His perfect will.
In the Old Testament, priests meticulously followed God’s instructions in their worship. Their obedience was a sign of their reverence and devotion. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate High Priest, embodying perfect obedience. Hebrews 5:8 (NKJV) reminds us:
“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”
Jesus’ path of obedience was not just about following commands; it was marked by surrender, even to the point of suffering on the cross. He invites us to this same path of surrender when He says:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24, NKJV).
Obedience may be costly, involving the denial of our own desires and understanding, but it is the key to unlocking deeper intimacy with God. I’ve seen this in my own life when stepping out in obedience felt like walking into the unknown. Yet every step has drawn me closer to God’s heart, aligning me with His purpose and making me an effective vessel for His kingdom.
2. Total Dependence on the Holy Spirit
The ancient paths are impossible to walk without the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus, though fully God, modeled a life of complete dependence on the Spirit. From His baptism to His ministry, He relied on the Spirit’s anointing and guidance. In Luke 4:18 (NKJV), Jesus declares:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…”
This same anointing is available to us. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live out our calling. Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) tells us:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
I remember moments when I tried to handle situations with my own wisdom, only to end up frustrated and exhausted. But when I surrendered, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, the outcome was radically different. His wisdom, strength, and comfort carried me through in ways I could never have imagined.
Walking in the Spirit means constantly seeking His guidance, especially in moments of temptation or trial. It’s about leaning into His strength and allowing His Word to illuminate our path.
3. Sensitivity to the Voice of the Holy Spirit
One of the most beautiful aspects of our walk with God is hearing His voice. Jesus assures us:
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27, NKJV).
Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit requires a heart that is quiet enough to listen. In our fast-paced world, this isn’t easy. It involves creating intentional moments of stillness to hear His whispers.
According to 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV):
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?”
We carry the presence of God within us, and cultivating this awareness changes everything. There were times in my prayer life when I simply sat in silence, tuning my heart to God’s frequency. It was in these moments that His direction became clear, His peace overwhelming.
However, discerning His voice also involves testing what we hear. 1 John 4:1 (NKJV) warns:
“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.”
Just as Jesus countered the enemy’s lies with Scripture during His temptation, we too must measure what we hear against God’s Word.
4. Exercising Spiritual Dominion in Christ’s Authority
The ancient paths lead us to a place of authority in Christ. Jesus’ victory over sin and death has given us the power to enforce His triumph in every area of our lives. Colossians 2:15 (NKJV) declares:
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
This means that we are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from a place of victory. We are called to enforce this victory in our prayers and declarations. As royal priests, our intercessory role is crucial. Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV) reminds us:
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
In spiritual warfare, our authority is not about control but about submission to Christ’s lordship, allowing His power to work through us. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) emphasizes:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
When we align ourselves with God’s authority, miracles happen. I’ve seen breakthroughs in situations where I spoke God’s Word with the confidence of one who knows their authority in Christ.
Walking the Ancient Paths Today
Choosing to walk the ancient paths is choosing God’s way over our own. It’s a journey that involves obedience, dependence on the Spirit, sensitivity to His voice, and exercising our spiritual authority. This path isn’t always easy, but it is profoundly rewarding, filled with the peace and rest God promises.
As we embrace this journey, let’s hold onto the blessing in Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV):
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will.”
May we find ourselves carriers of His light, walking these ancient paths with hearts fully yielded to Him. The world needs this light now more than ever, and God is inviting each of us to shine brightly.
Let’s choose the ancient paths, not just because they are old, but because they are God’s eternal way.