“…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)
Daily, we have the opportunity to make choices. God invites us to choose life and the things that bring us life, joy and blessings.
What brings us life? Fear of the Lord in the sense of reverence for God and His ways bring us life. “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27 (NIV) We often think of reverence as something stuffy, formal and certainly not fun. However, reverence for God means respecting the way He made us and He made us to have fun! Recreation means to “re” create. He meant for us to take time to refresh, renew and “re” create ourselves.
Throughout the day, in small ways, take time to choose the good things in life. Talk with a friend, play with a pet or a child, participate in or watch a sport you like, do a hobby you enjoy or anything you find refreshing.
Many people find doing something outdoors gardening or creating something with their hands, therapeutic. This is especially true during times of difficulties or stress in our lives. One time during a dark time, I took a watercolor class. The joy of painting gave me hope and something to look forward to. When darkness overwhelmed me, painting gave me light and life.
We need these times of nourishment to be able to handle the challenges we face especially in times of pain, grief, or difficulties. We must choose paths that bring life to us. Why? These choices keep us from going too far down. “The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.” Proverbs 15:24
God filled the world with beauty and pleasure, to restore and renew life in us. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV) Every day, choose to do something that gives you joy to brighten your day. Choose life!
In ways that are personal, meaningful to you, connect with the source of life, Jesus. No two of us are alike. Let the way He touches you and the way you relate to Him express your uniqueness. Enjoy the refreshment of His Presence daily.
Pray this prayer,
Lord, open our eyes to see the many opportunities you have set before us to choose and enjoy life! Help us, in the midst of our challenges, to take time to delight in the life You came to give us. Show us new and creative ways to have fun! With hearts of gratitude, we thank you that you want us to have an abundant life!