Every year the city of Vancouver hosts "The Sun Run" and thousands of folks participate. Many train for weeks in advance of the run. They give up their free time to stretch and jog and challenge themselves to run longer and run faster. While they run, they sweat, they are short of breath, they have to push past discomfort to reach their goal and yet many will tell you "It's really worth the effort”.
King David also challenged himself in the area of purity and following God's will in his daily life. He worked hard to know and practice the principles that God laid out for a successful life.
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. (Psalm 119:9-16 NLT)
David made the effort, tried hard, memorized God's words and put them in his heart. He was teachable. He was active. He stretched himself to enter into God's ways more and more. He didn't just want to know what was right but he made sure that God's ways became his ways.
If I really want to do right and not relapse into any kind of sin, what do I need to do? I need to get God’s word in my heart – not just in my mind but also in my heart. I need to discipline myself to know God’s ways and to walk in them. I need to talk and think and pray and ask God to clarify what He is actually saying so I can apply it well. I need to pay attention and study God's instructions. I need to value the wisdom contained therein. From situation to situation I need to remember and apply the instructions God has given in His word.
Those who complete the annual Sun Run in Vancouver experience satisfaction for having conquered a challenge. I, too, will find great joy and satisfaction in my life as I follow God's way of living. I, too, will say that some momentary difficulty and pain were well worth suffering in order that I attain the goal of a pure life before God.
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