This is what the Lord says: "Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, 'No, that's not the road we want!" Jeremiah 6:16
When we find ourselves at the crossroads a decision must be made as to which way we should go. These crossroads in life appear when we come to the place we can't ignore because at this point it is usually time to make a difficult decision before moving on. This is why it is so important to apply what the Lord says.
As we stop and look let's not be hasty in making a decision as to which road to take. We can see that it is clear in all directions, but unlike God we have no idea what lies ahead. We must wait for an answer before preceding so won't head in the wrong direction. This is why we need to ask for the old godly way. The old paths were followed by the patriarchs (scriptural fathers) such as Abraham, Isaac, and Abraham before the flood and Noah during the flood. These were just a few of the people who believed in God's promises and walked with God.
It is always best to wait for the Lords instruction and He will make it known to us. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way: walk in it." Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) When we put our trust in the Lord and allow Him to point us in the right direction we will have rest for our souls. In other words, we will be able to discern what the Lord is telling us and experience the hand of God and the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us.
Often times we say "No" because of the uncertainty, fear, or simply stepping out of our comfort zone. As humans living in the flesh we want to take the easy way out. If we remain complacent we will never go anywhere. If we don't step out of our comfort zone we will never grow spiritually. If we don't learn to follow God's will we will never reach the destination He has already planned for us.
All of us have followed the roads full of twists and turns, ups and downs, circling around the same mountains, and U-turn after U-turn. When we reach the next crossroads in our life we would be wise to stop, look, ask, wait for an answer, then proceed as follows. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)