A Rich and Fulfilling Life

”The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

John 10v10

It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to engage in the Psalms. In the past, they sounded repetitive, and I often didn’t understand what David was referring to. And, also, can we say, he’s a bit of a drama queen? But lately, as I’ve been walking more into my own calling as a writer, I’ve found that my appreciation for the art of others and my understanding of it has been heightened, from music, to prose, to, now, the Psalms. 

So, I’ve been diving into the Psalms for the first time in a long while, and David’s words have resonated with my soul in a way they haven’t before. And, hey, I’ll be the first to admit that I can be a drama queen at times too.

I was reading through Psalms 19 this morning and noticed how differently I now understand David’s take on God’s instructions, law, decrees, and commandments. He talks about how they revive the soul and bring joy to the heart. He says they’re even more precious than gold itself and that they’re sweeter to our tongues than fresh honey (I’ve never actually tasted fresh honey, but I’d imagine it’s rich). 

Has that been your experience of God’s law? In the past, I would have said no. How can a set of restrictive guidelines, a list of what to do and what not to do, be this? What David is describing? But I see now, with clarity, how I misunderstood. I find more and more that as I grow in relationship with Jesus, the Spirit, and our Father that a lot of adult life is deconstructing — and I don’t mean that word in the way many use it now. I mean breaking down the misconceptions we’ve long held about God and His ways, about who we are to Him, and so much more. I could write so much about the many ways I am deconstructing my deep-seated structures of being and behavior, peeling back layer after layer to get to the truth of it.

But just one of these deep-seated lies is this — that God’s law is restrictive. I think many of us can make it seem this way to those looking on, when instead of inviting someone into our homes and our lives, we take on the role of the Holy Spirit to tell them what they must give up and stop doing in order to be a Christian, to enter our community and join our family. We make it seem like all the Christian life is, is a set of rules to live by and eternal life when you die. And in the meantime, just try to have a relationship with the Being that made this set of rules for you.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

Oh, but it is so much more. These laws and instructions and decrees are so utterly beautiful because they are our Father lovingly showing us the way to live well. The best way to live. David talks about a reward that comes from following this way of life — a way that Jesus Himself came in flesh to show us, as well — and in the past, I think I pictured some sort of reward system. Like the little M&M’s I give my sons, Phin and Archie, every time they use the potty. “Good job! Now here’s a little prize and a pat on the head.” 

Now while this may work — or not — for potty training, how dissatisfying and impersonal as a way of life. This “great reward” that David’s talking about is not about a prize for good behavior, but a great quality of life. It’s a way of life that comes from following God’s instructions, given by our Dad for our good. It’s a way of life that comes from examining not just what Jesus said on earth, but how He lived on earth. 

It’s a way of life that says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11v28-30 MSG)

What we have been invited into is a life of great quality, not just quantity. What we should be inviting people into is not a life of rules and restrictions and, oh, by the way, then you’ll live forever with the One who made up all the rules and restrictions. No, no, no. You are invited into a beautiful, free, richly satisfying and abundant life.

Father,

Thank You for Your Word—not as a list of rules, but as a gift that brings life. What once felt restrictive, I now see as beautiful. Your instructions revive my soul and lead me into joy.

Forgive me for the times I’ve misunderstood You and for making faith seem like a burden instead of an invitation to life. Teach me the unforced rhythms of grace. Help me walk with You, freely and lightly. Thank You for offering not just eternity, but a rich and satisfying life, here and now.

Rachel Vick lives a little bit of everywhere with her husband and two sons. Gathering around the table, chatting with Jesus in the mundane, and dry humor (best paired with a dry red) are some of her favorites. She finds joy in writing vulnerable letters about what comes from accepting the invitation from the Spirit to commune and engage in the mundane and hopes her writing extends that invitation to her readers. You can find her on Substack as My Dearest Friend or on Instagram as @_mydearestfriend_.