Lessons from Deuteronomy 30:10–14: A Recovery Perspective
The words of Moses in Deuteronomy 30:10–14 are a powerful reminder that God’s will is not distant or inaccessible — it’s near, knowable, and livable. For those of us in recovery, these verses echo the heart of the 12 Steps, especially Steps 5 and 11. They speak to the nature of obedience, the accessibility of divine guidance, and the importance of living out our faith in real, tangible ways.
1. Obedience Is Relational, Not Ritual
“If you obey the Lord your God… and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…”
This isn’t about ticking boxes or following rules for the sake of it. It’s about relationship — a conscious connection with God. This aligns directly with Step 11: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God…”
Personal Reflection:
The benefits of increased conscious contact are obvious, but the real magic often happens when we step outside the routine. This morning, I was busy and rushed through my prayer. But later, I took a 15-minute walk along the Wynyard Foreshore — a place I’d never walked before — to breathe, pray, and find some serenity. Out of nowhere, a pushbike rolled past. It was John, an AA member who lives 200 km away. We were both surprised. We chatted, connected, and left uplifted. That’s the power of divine serendipity. Prayer, like any activity, can be fertilized by variety. When we mix it up — beach, chapel, boardwalk — we open the door for God to surprise us.
2. God’s Will Is Accessible
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach…”
God’s will isn’t hidden in heaven or buried across the sea. It’s close. It’s practical. It’s for everyone.
Personal Reflection:
This truth is amplified when we step into new spaces and engage with new people. Sitting at home in the dark, praying for eight hours, might feel spiritual — but it’s not always effective. Bumping into John on a sunny winter’s day in Tasmania did more for my spiritual health than any isolated ritual could. God’s will is often found in motion.
3. The Word Is Internalized
“The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”
God’s word isn’t just something we read — it’s something we live. It’s meant to be spoken, remembered, and expressed through daily life.
Personal Reflection:
If you’re locked inside with the curtains drawn, you’re not expressing anything. But when you’re out and about — offering a compliment, showing interest, engaging with others — you’re living the word. You’re giving others the chance to do the same.
4. Empowerment to Obey
“It is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach…”
This is empowering. We are capable of living in alignment with God’s will. Grace doesn’t demand perfection — it enables obedience.
Personal Reflection:
You’ll never know until you have a go. Don’t worry if you can’t recite the Rosary. Just try. Just live. Just lean in.
5. Echoes in the New Testament
Paul quotes this passage in Romans 10:6–8, showing that salvation through Christ is not about striving or searching, but about receiving what is already near.
AA Connection – Step 5:
“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
This step is about honesty, humility, and proximity — not performance. Just like Deuteronomy, it reminds us that the path to healing is already within reach.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.