Some obligations are short-lived, like another season of tee ball or a friendly meeting over lunch. Others are lifelong commitments, like marriage or career.
Monumental, life-shaping decisions are often made thoughtfully and carefully. Rarely are they spontaneous choices or impulsive selections. They demand both intellect and emotion, mind and heart, and become a permanent part of a person’s life.
In recent Bible reading, I’ve noticed a recurring phrase. It surfaces in a variety of contexts and circumstances but always stands out to me. It speaks of lifetime dedication and ongoing desire.
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” – Deuteronomy 4:9
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.” – Psalm 27:4
Naturally, I set out to ponder this phrase. “All the days of one’s life” requires steadfastness, consistency, and trust. It signifies promise, dependability, and conviction, among other assets. I envision unswerving loyalty and faithful resolution.
My love for God should be so dominating that it informs my lifestyle, drives my decisions, and motivates my movement. Every breath of every day of my life is to be devoted to His glory and majesty.
God’s desire is for me (and everyone else) to choose life by consuming His commands, obeying His ordinances, and preserving His precepts. As a direct result of obedience, His blessings flow.
But most amazing to me are the enduring qualities of the Lord despite humanity’s failings and flaws. On the days of my life when I falter, God never does.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” – Lamentations 3:22
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny himself.” – 2 Timothy 2:13
Without a shadow of a doubt, God the Father vigilantly watches over, provides for, and protects His own.
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when He delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:23-25
And His own never cease to rejoice in Him and praise His name … all the days of their lives, and unto eternity.
