Where Is the Good Way?

Returning to the Ancient Path of Rest

In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks a simple, disruptive invitation:

“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)

That word good is doing a lot of work here.In Hebrew, it carries meanings like beautiful, best, better, cheerful, and at ease.

God isn’t asking His people to choose the hardest road. He’s pointing them toward the most life-giving one.

And then—hundreds of years later—Jesus echoes the same invitation.

“Come to Me, all who are weary… My yoke is easy. My burden is light.”

You will find rest.

Same message.

Same path.

Same promise.

Rest Is the Thread

As I continue sharing about leaving Babylon—that system of pressure, performance, and endless striving—I keep finding the same thread woven through it all: rest.

Rest has been a theme in my own life for six years now. If I’m honest, I’ve done a fairly terrible job of practicing it the last four and a half—especially mentally. Widowhood does that sometimes.

But God is kind. And rest is His jam.

He gently whispers, “Return to rest.”And when I actually listen—and obey (important distinction)—life feels… lighter. Truer. Sweeter.

Have You Ever Been on the Good Path?

Returning to sacred rest often begins with a braver question than we expect:

• Where did I wander off the ancient path?

• Was I ever on it to begin with?

• Do I even know what God’s ‘good way’ actually looks like?

Many believers sincerely love Jesus—and are still utterly exhausted. Not because they’re rebellious.Not because they’re doing something “wrong.”

But because most of us were raised in slavery-shaped systems.

So when the Son sets us free, we don’t recognize freedom. We run back to familiar structures that promise safety—and end up with spiritual checklists instead of rest.

I call this Babylon in church clothes.

Repentance, Sabbath, and Returning

We tend to think the word profane only applies to obvious sin or debauchery. But in Hebrew, repent simply means to turn around. And Shabbat—Sabbath—means to return.

Return to covenant. Return to rest. Return to the way you were always meant to walk.

Leaving your intended path—often for approval, explanation, or exhaustion—opens the door to resentment and frustration. Those are emotions worth paying attention to.

A mentor once told me something I’ve never forgotten:

“If they didn’t walk on the seas you parted, they don’t get much say in where you walk.”

Freedom can be quiet. And misunderstood. And deeply right.

A Nibble to Chew One

So here’s the small bite I’ll leave you with today—one you might sit with for a while:

Lord, am I on the good way? Have I ever been? Do I know what that even is?

As you ask, notice any critical thoughts—toward yourself or this conversation. Criticism doesn’t sound like God.

His correction is gentle. It feels like a hand on your back saying, “This is better for you.”

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Harsh, punishing discipline belongs to Babylon—not the King.

Enjoy the questions.

More to come.

PS: Yes, I use em dashes. Writers have forever. And yes—some people use AI. Also forever? No. But truly—who cares.