I looked around me and did not know which way to turn. I was lost yet again. My feet ached from the long, long journey, and I did not think I could go on. This was getting ridiculous. How could I have thought it possible I could do this on my own? I feel frustrated and angry with myself. But I was in this position again, and I didn’t know where to go next.
I am sitting at the edge of the road as I watch people go by me with purpose in their stride. They look like they know where they are going. I asked someone like that earlier, which way to go. That is how I got here. I don’t think they really know where to go. They are just walking to be moving.
Exhausted and Lost
I see some people traveling in groups, but some of them look very tired. The others don’t help them keep moving as much as they compel them to move. They seem trapped. I cringe away from them.
What I see most are those who are weary like me. They look just as unsure as I do about the direction they are going. I’m not sure they know more than me. I don’t want to ask them.
Then I see him. He is an older guy with a cane. And he doesn’t look tired either. He looks rested and happy. He looks around at the others and smiles! I wonder if he could tell me where to go next?
Is that hope I see
I strain to raise myself up to see if I can reach him before he goes too far. I start limping in his direction, and he turns his head and sees me. The intensity in his eyes is a little frightening at first. But then I see the kindness and understanding that fills him.
“Please, sir,” I ask,” do you know the way? I am so weary, and my feet hurt so much. I don’t seem to be able to find anyone who will tell me which way to go.”
He gives me a huge smile and almost glows. He says, “I am following the old godly way. It is a lonely path and not many people go that way. But it is a glorious path, and I do not have to travel it alone. Jesus has come, and he walks alongside me. He will do the same for you.”
Rest for your souls
Then I noticed another man who was glowing standing next to the man. He held his arm to help support him along the way. Just seeing him filled me with joy. I wanted to meet this Jesus and have him walk with me, too.
Jesus spoke to me, and suddenly I was in a beautiful garden. He gave me food and drink. I sat in a soft place and I felt more rested than I had in years. My head cleared, and I knew that this was where I belonged. I belonged with Jesus.
After a few minutes, I wondered where the older gentleman had gone. I could see him beyond the garden, heading down the path out of my sight. When I asked about him, Jesus told me that he had continued his journey down the path.
I wasn’t quite sure how, but I knew that Jesus was with him too. I didn’t understand how he could be in two places, but I had assurance that he would never leave me.
Jesus walks with me
Now I walk along the path with Jesus every day. It is a pleasant walk. We stop every day for refreshment, and I meet the most interesting travelers. Some of them walk with Jesus. And some of them are lost like I was. I tell them about the true way to walk and show them Jesus beside me. Some choose to walk with Jesus, but many more do not.
But I am happy now. I have found rest. I have Jesus beside me as I walk the old godly way. We walk together through this life.
Jeremiah 6:16 Eternal One (to the people): Stand at the crossing, and consider the ancient path, for it is good and it leads to Me. Walk on this path, and you will find rest for your souls. But they have said, “We will not walk upon this road.”
From the hymn – In the Garden
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
