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. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, NIV)
“How do you deal with those moments when you get down on the course or fall into a slump?” I asked. I paused as I gazed at the faces sitting around the table. Eleven collegiate women golfers from the University Mary-Hardin Baylor and coach Jackie invited me to meet together to share about golf, life, and faith.
A challenging question indeed. If there was a straightforward answer, my career might have been making more cuts and financial gain. Anger and frustration have been a struggle of mine in competitive golf. After eight years away and feeling emotionally healthy, harsh emotions still overwhelmed my return to competitive golf as a Legends Tour player.
A hinge point came two years ago with the idea that I have a choice. I am choosing to compete. I have a choice in how I show up and respond in a tournament round. Golf did feel like a life-or-death situation trapped under performance expectations. Today, I can play golf from a posture of choice.
God also gives us a choice: I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choosing life and blessings does not mean a life free of struggle, but it does turn our face toward the giver of life through repentance. Choosing to follow Jesus gives us knowledge, strength, and wisdom – the substance of life and blessings.
When we turn our face away from God, we choose death and curses. Some people choose this for the entirety of their lives. The spirit and soul of these people are dying. But God finds no pleasure in the death of anyone (Ezekiel 18:32).
Choosing life and blessings transforms our hearts to lift others up, be honest, help those hungry and in need, care for the widows and orphans, do what is right (or hard), and walk humbly. Choosing life and blessing is working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12) in partnership with God.
Choosing death and curses is evidenced in thoughts and deeds. Idolatry (to another god, object, or activity), stealing, lying, betrayal, taking a profit where it is not due, and oppressing the poor and needy all lead to destruction.
God in his infinite loving-kindness makes the way to turn, and live (Ezekiel 18:32). No matter where you have been or where you might be stuck, the Lord welcomes your choice to live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Let us choose life and blessings today.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have given me a choice. Help me to choose the life and blessings that lead to you, your voice, and your love.