Mom Heart Moments #13

Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.”

AS A YOUNG WOMAN, I looked ahead to the adventure of having my own precious brood of children and idealized all the love, fun, and joy we would share as a family.

My life as a mom has created countless moments of joy, love shared, deep fulfillment, and wonderful memories. Yet I also have had times of dark depression, loneliness, and feelings that I couldn’t keep going. I have often felt inadequate to know just how to discipline and train my children. Choices about their lives have often been a mystery amid so much parenting advice. On and on my questions go.

I felt so many times that I needed a guide, a map, the right resources to make the journey, and help along the way. I needed a companion to walk the road with me and to strengthen and encourage me when I felt so alone and forlorn. With so many people in my life who had such differing values and who had offered such a variety of advice, I didn’t know where to turn for real tried-and-true wisdom.

Finally, I found a path that was sure and provided me with the steadiness and encouragement I needed. As I learned how to walk closely with the Lord, how to pray, and how to apply Scripture in very practical ways in my life, I began to have the resources for completing this journey well. I can now see how faithful my dear heavenly Father has been in my life, even though I was too young and limited to always understand the routes along which He was taking me.

What do the “ancient paths” and “the good way” in Jeremiah 6:16 refer to? How can you refocus yourself and your children on the ways of the ancient path?