The Next Chapter

Our family moved to a new country this week. Along with this brought a change in living accommodations, a new school, new opportunities to meet friends and still maintain relationships with family and old friends, and a whole lot more.

As for me in this season of change, I am praying over how to best lead my family and grow in my faith knowing that with major changes comes the potential for distractions. How will I respond to challenges? How will I choose to lean on God’s promises instead of worrying or giving into temptation?

What does your current “life chapter” look like?

Whether you’re just starting a chapter, in the middle of a chapter, or preparing for the next one, yesterday’s scripture (and and post by Jennifer) on the Ten Commandments, along with today’s scriptures (Deuteronomy 5:23-33) offer some great insights. The Ten Commandments simply state how God wants us to live. Today’s reading has a key verse as to why:

You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. (Deuteronomy 5:33)

God didn’t give those commands to burden us or take away joy. In fact, he gave the commandments so that we can be free and experience the true joy found only in him. To paraphrase, he gave the commands so that:

  • we may live
  • we will live abundantly (in him)
  • our families will experience his goodness for generations

This theme reminds me of the words of our Savior Jesus as he explains that his commands in a similar way.

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

Following him comes with a cost, yet the benefits far outweigh the alternative. We never know which chapter will be our last so live and choose today with eternity in mind. Jesus is calling. How will you answer?