Deuteronomy 30:19-20 | This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Our choices always have consequences. When my children were growing up I would often say to them, “You are free to choose anything you want, but you are not free to choose the consequences.” Lent is a time to face our choices as honestly as we are able and to think about their consequences. The good news is that, when we see that some of our choices have led us to a dead end, we find ourselves in a situation to make different choices.
No matter where we may find ourselves today, no matter how dark it may be, we are being given the opportunity to make a fresh choice for life. Remember the invitation of our God: “Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him.” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20)
DAILY PRACTICE:
Make two lists today: “What brings me life?” and “What takes life from me?” Write down whatever comes to mind. You can add to your lists over the next while. But today ask God specifically to guide you in making those choices that lead you more towards life. Give thanks also that God is always in the business of giving us new life in Jesus Christ.