For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers. (Deut. 30:20)
Expanded Passage: Deuteronomy 29:1-4; 30:5-20
“I want to show you a photo.” I hear this story-starter regularly at my scrapbooking workshops. As I listen to the details behind the snapshot, it’s apparent the storyteller’s life has been impacted by something or someone wonderful. “I’m their grandma . . . this was my husband . . . I love watching my kids . . .”
The Israelites knew they had a story worth sharing about their faithful God and his promises. As they entered the promised land, God knew they’d need to focus on him instead of their new surroundings for that good story to continue. These families would need, and want, to cling to the Lord—not out of lack of courage, but because they knew where their good life was found. When their homes, businesses and families prospered, they’d know the Lord was at work. So, when Moses said, “The Lord is your life,” he clarified every future opportunity, decision, and focus the Israelites would face in the coming years.
The Lord delights in our delight! He gives us the most beautiful people and stories to share. But if we are only delighted by that life right in front of us rather than the Lord himself, we’ve missed the truly good life. He invites us to lean in close, listen and obey his words, see his works, and know that he is our life.
The Lord is your life! Cling to him and enjoy his delight.
Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
