“But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King.” Jeremiah 10:10

I usually steer clear of intimidating paths, but recently plunged ahead on one that I had avoided for a decade or more. It is far easier to tackle the safer places, the familiar winding roads, the less complicated routes where the mind may slip into neutral. Preoccupied with reaching a destination ahead, I had foolishly neglected this part, forgetting somehow the magnificent views and breathtaking directions from here.

I charged in this week and re-discovered the words Jeremiah penned twenty-seven centuries ago, realizing before long the powerful beauty of the verses, the startling contrasts and unnerving prophecies, the vivid imagery running through this book. The Psalms constantly grab my attention, the Epistles are bold and straightforward, the Gospels compelling and applicable at every turn. Because Jeremiah is easy to ignore, to put aside for another day, to skip over and run elsewhere, I had simply lost track of the hidden gemstones waiting to be unearthed.

As I progressed, I snapped one majestic picture after another of the Lord in an attempt to capture his dynamic character: “There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you” (Jeremiah 10:6-7).

I noted the graphic distinctions between God and other worthless pretenders: “Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good” (Jeremiah 10:5).

I stumbled upon an impressive landing that had profoundly marked me the last time around. Seeing it again was like a reunion with a discerning friend who had enlightened me years before: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

The ancient word spoken by God’s weeping prophet stretched my heart and swept the muddled corners of my mind. I anticipate that the journey ahead will reveal more insights than I could possibly comprehend. Morning by morning as I continue to make my way through, I pray my heart stays tuned.

Elizabeth A. Mitchell