9.5.26 – Life's a Choice

Life is all about choices. Every day, life-and-death decisions are set before our eyes, our minds, and our hearts (Deut. 30:15). The benefits and consequences of those choices have been clearly laid out, and we have said "amen" to both paths (Deut. 27:15–26; 28:1–68). Yet somehow, someway, I—and I am speaking for myself here—notoriously choose the wrong road to travel (Deut. 29:16–28). Why? Why? Why?

There are several reasons, but this morning, I want to focus on just one—found in this week's Torah portion, Nitzavim. The reason given for every wrong choice? Bitterness (Deut. 29:18; Heb. 12:15).

Think about it: the Israelites had everything handed to them during their forty years in the wilderness. A cloud to shield them from the heat, scorpions, and snakes. Clothes that never wore out. Angelic food daily. The purest water. They had Moses, the visible presence of God, His very voice. Aaron and Miriam interceded for them. Their enemies were defeated—nothing but a distant memory. They had a clear destination. They even had the freedom to murmur, complain, and express their fears.

But when they entered the Promised Land, all of that changed. God's presence was just as real, but He removed every visible provision. Now, they were responsible for everything—under God's promise and care, yes, but still responsible. And with that shift, bitterness crept in.

I have learned that bitterness comes from unfulfilled expectations—things not turning out the way I thought they should.

The wilderness was not a land flowing with milk and honey. Egypt was not either. But the Promised Land was promised to be exactly that—and it was. So why the bitterness? Because for the first time in their journey, they had to work for what they had. Everything was still provided, just like in the wilderness, but now it came through a different means—their own effort, their own responsibility.

Remember that emotional equation: Expectation − Reality = Frustration. Frustration, over time, becomes disappointment. Repeated disappointment leads to anger. Prolonged anger sinks roots of bitterness. And the longer bitterness lingers, the deeper those roots grow—until life's perspective becomes skewed. Eventually, the victim mentality takes over. And worst of all, everyone becomes a suspect in your co-created world of misery... and the blame game begins.

But this week's Torah portion does not just prophesy our cursed choices—it also reveals the remedy: repentance. My repentance. Not anyone else's. Just mine.

During this month of Elul, we are given special spiritual glasses to help us prepare for the Day of Judgment, the Day of Trumpets, the day the King is crowned, the day we remember our covenant... and it is only ten days away. Exciting days lie ahead. Which road are you traveling down?

Shabbat Shalom!
Alan

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