A Divine Invitation to Return

📖 Bible Verse: Jeremiah 6:16

“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls...”

At the heart of God’s message in Jeremiah 6:16 is a tender but urgent invitation, a call to return. Not to religion, not to rituals, but to the ancient path where He dwells.

This path is ancient not because it is outdated, but because it is eternal. It is the path of truth, holiness, faith, and obedience. It’s the same path walked by Abraham (Genesis 18:19), Moses (Deuteronomy 5:33), David (Psalm 119:1), the prophets (Hebrews 11:32–40), and ultimately our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so iniquity shall not be your ruin.’” – Ezekiel 18:30
“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:7

Many today have chosen shortcuts, paths of convenience, compromise, and crowd-pleasing. We build altars to speed, success, and self, yet our souls remain weary and dry.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” – Proverbs 14:12
“My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” – Jeremiah 2:13

God is calling us back, not to a new way, but to the good way, the tried and tested way. But before we can walk on it, we must:

Stand – pause and reflect

See – examine and discern

Ask– seek God’s direction

This first day of fasting is not for rushing into religious activity. It is for stopping, listening, and asking God:

“Where did I drift? 
Where are You calling me back to?”

“Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:40
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

Only then can we truly walk. Only then will we find rest—not just physical rest, but the soul-deep rest that Jesus promised:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’” – Isaiah 30:15

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3

🙏 Prayer Focus

1. Thank God for His Mercy and Invitation to Return [Lamentations 3:22]

2. Repentance for Leaving the Ancient Path [1 John 1:9]

3. Pray for Sensitivity to God's Voice and Direction [Isaiah 30:21]

4. Pray for Rest and Renewal of Your Soul [Psalm 23:3]