Day 3, Year 1 Life could Be Marvelous

“So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” (Deuteronomy 30:19c NASB)

For many, life is about studying and playing, working and enjoying, while some pursue their ideals. To the Israelites, life could take on a different meaning.

“Live” in today’s verse, chayah in Hebrew, basically means “to have life.” But the “life” they understand has many levels, including “to sustain life, be quickened from sickness, discouragement, faintness or death; revive, refresh, remain alive, live prosperously, and to live forever.” In other words, the Israelites see life’s vitality mainly in two aspects: to solve various problems and challenges and to continue living with vitality and prosperity.

We could have a wonderful and marvelous life by choosing life from the Most High God. Choosing life from God does not mean that we are exempt from various diseases or pain from then on. But when we choose life, we could connect to the liveliness that comes from God, thereby be saved and freed from dangers in body, mind, soul, and the spiritual realm, and in turn be rejuvenated, and ultimately, receive prosperity and abundance. The life that God gives enables His people to prosper and succeed, especially when we connect with His eternal life.

The wonderfulness in life lies not in escaping various encounters of aging, sickness, and death. Rather, it is in the ability of those who choose God’s life to conquer different difficulties, subsequently regaining vitality and living a long, prosperous, and blessed life with His help. Therefore, for those who choose life, difficulties, and pain are short-lived, yet vitality and prosperity are long-lasting. This is what a wonderful life means for the Israelites and believers.

Reflection questions:

1) Choosing to live a wonderful life—would this be your attitude toward life from now on?

2) Is it your desire to overcome all physical, environmental, and spiritual difficulties and problems with God’s help? Why?