Death has been a common theme in 2020. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have lost their lives to the coronavirus, as well as in many other ways. Some have died by natural causes, and some by the hands of others. Others have died from starvation, persecution or natural disasters around the world.

But there have also been others types of death to contend with this year. Many have suffered from economic death, losing homes, businesses, their livelihoods and way of life. Others have seen the death of dreams they've been building for a lifetime. Young people have also had their dreams dashed, or at least set aside, as they navigate through the unknown of what is going to happen to their education and future.

Many people's way of life has further been devastated by loss of property from the increasing fierceness of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires. Others have lost so much by the unnatural disasters of rioting, looting and fires.

There has also been spiritual death as people have become disillusioned by what they see around them in the realm of religion. Many are turning away from God, looking for their help in any other way they can grasp.

Death may seem to be prevailing this year, but God gives us another option. He encourages us to choose life and tells us how we can do that.

When Moses came to the end of his life, he gave one last speech to the people of Israel who were about to enter the Promised Land after their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He declared to them all the promises God had made to them, and then told them about all the curses that would come upon them if they did not obey the Lord. He made it clear that choosing obedience was the wisest decision they could make.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 says, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land” (NLT).

God has given us the key to life, and He leaves the choice up to us. I know there are many contributing factors, and life doesn't always go the way we planned, which has been very evident this year. But each day we have a choice to make between life and death, blessings and curses, and the choice boils down to love.

Jesus told His disciples in John chapter 14 that they could show their love for Him by obeying His commandments. Nothing has changed. In order to choose life, we must make the choice to love God, be firmly committed to Him, and prove that love and commitment by obeying Him. Then we will have the life He has so freely offered to us, and the blessings He has promised in His Word.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.