Where and Why Are You Running?

“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:32

There are a many images that can be seen in this one verse. One is that of running on a path. I can recall jogging through my neighborhood. The neighborhood is of average terrain consisting of a typical street with sidewalks. However there is one street that has a straight dirt path that runs through the back of the homes and is almost hidden. The homes cannot be seen due to the large fences and tall, hovering trees on either side of the path. This path is narrow, the dirt is soft, and the large, aged trees provide a ceiling that hides the sky. As I would go on these runs, I would often think and reflect.

As one reads this passage, one could also think and reflect, asking the following questions: “Where am I running?” and “Why am I running?” We have the choice of running on whatever “path” that we choose. We can choose a path of stress. We can choose a path of worry. We can choose a path of chasing materialism and status. But in the end, the most important question is, “Where will that path lead us?” On the other hand, we can choose the path of God’s commands. Interestingly, when we think of the word “command” we think of someone forcefully telling us what to do. However, God’s commands give us direction in how to live so that we can experience victory in our own lives, and show love and respect to others around us.

Why am I running? Because God as set my heart free. “Free from what” you ask? Free from hopelessness. Free from the feeling that my life has no purpose. Free from asking the question, “Why am I here?” Free from the thought that I am defined by people’s opinions and thoughts about me. Free from believing that my struggles and personal issues cannot be overcome. On the contrary, because of Christ, I have freedom, purpose, and power; not just for myself, but for those who need help, hope, and healing. Because of where we are running, and why we are running, we can run this “race of life” with confidence in Christ, and we can increase the number of people who are on the path with us.

Much Love,

Pastor D.