Deuteronomy 30 (Pt 2): Battling for Abundant Life
On the surface, Deuteronomy 30:15-20 sounds simple: Choose life. Easy choice.
But again, it goes on to say: choose life “by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (verse 20). Why?
Loving Him, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him—this is how we choose life each day. Abundant life. A fulfilling life that brings peace and joy.
Loving Him, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him—this is how we choose life each day. Abundant life. A fulfilling life that brings peace and joy.
Loving God is not limited to warm feelings toward God—it’s about trusting Him enough to submit to His love and obey Him, even when things are messy, confusing, or doing so is costly. It’s choosing His way even when ours appears easier or better for us in the short term.
Yet even with this clear and simple command to choose life, it’s not easy. Ever since the Garden, it’s simple to second-guess God’s promises. The serpent’s ancient whisper, “Did God really say…?”, still echoes in our hearts. We want what we prefer. We think we know best. We want control.
And even when we choose to love and obey God, an internal battle ensues. Every Christian experiences it. The Apostle Paul says in Romans 7 that he doesn’t do the good he wants to do. Why? Because a constant battle rages in us between our sinful nature and the Spirit. This “simple” choice is part of a daily battle to trust and love God, which we genuinely desire to do.
And personally? I’ve had times when to “choose life” means to forgive, to be generous, to be put out a bit, and I chose the easier path—mine—instead. But when I decide to love the Lord and follow Him, and by God’s grace do so, even in small ways, there’s peace and joy on the other side. It always makes me wish I had said yes to Him sooner!!
But when I decide to love the Lord and follow Him, and by God’s grace do so, even in small ways, there’s peace and joy on the other side. It always makes me wish I had said yes to Him sooner!!
So yes, it’s a simple choice. But it’s a supernatural battle, one that can only be won through the power of Christ in You. The invitation is not to try harder, but to remember, receive, and respond to His unfailing love.
In other words, choose life. Choose God’s love. Be blessed.