Truth of the ancients

This morning I did one of those just-open-the-bible-and-see-what-it-says kind of things, and my eyes caught this phrase immediately:

Thus says the Lord:
Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16 (The Green Bible [NSRV] HarperOne, 2008)

We heard this idea recently in a moment of high celebration and hope, President Obama's inaugural speech, only 16 shorts days ago. The president said Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. In this time, as we continue our prayers for guidance, as we look to the world, to our government, to each other for signs of hope, let's remember to turn within first, listening for the truth that is, has, and always will be present.

Precious Lord, thank you for your constant, abiding, and never diminishing presence. Give us the courage, God, to stand tall in our places today, certain that this time of uncertainty is necessary for the growth spring will bring. Even now crocus is marshalling its life force, preparing to move quietly out through the blanket of snow. May we be marshalling our spirits, our hope, our faith, our belief in the undeniable victory of truth. May we look back to the ancients of our days--the ancient values, the ancient stories, the promise that framed our nation, the ancestors that brought us to this point, and know that you guided, protected, and supported each individual life and circumstance and will not withdraw your love and guidance now. Help us all to stay focused on what really matters most right now; and continue to bless President Obama with a quiet spirit, a listening ear, and the wisdom to hear your voice above all else. Amen.