Jeremiah 8

“Even the stork in the heavens
Knows her appointed times;
And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow
Observe the time of their coming.
But My people do not know the judgment of the Lord. v.7

Read chapter 8
Jeremiah looked at nature to describe basics of instincts.  Birds know when to return to warmer climates when winter is coming- it's in their law of nature.  Yet these men don't know when God's judgment comes to return to Him.  
They know not how to improve the seasons of grace which God affords them when he sends them his prophets; nor how to make use of the rebukes they are under when his voice cries in the city. They discern not the signs of the times, (Matthew 16:3,) nor are aware how God is dealing with them. They know not the law which God has prescribed them, though it be written both in their hearts and in their books. (Benson's Commentary)
They don't know how to accommodate themselves to God's words, His grace, His mercy or His judgment.  Just as the groundhog not seeing its shadow is a sign spring is coming and winter almost over, so are God's people to return to the Lord knowing His grace follows judgement.
Does your natural instincts lead you to God or away?  How so?