"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
Learning from the Word of God
Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Ps 119:65-68The writer had been mocked (v51), held prisoner (v61) and been victim of a smear campaign (v69). In your sports career perhaps you have been abused by a bullying coach or you have felt imprisoned by an injury that has taken away your freedom to play. Smear campaigns and politics are all too prevalent in sports clubs – where people want power. In some female sport, not being lesbian can restrict your opportunities.
How did the Psalmist approach his problems – and how should you? By turning to the Word of God- “I believe in your commands...I obey your word...teach me your decrees”.
The Bible provides a sense of proportion about our experiences and problems. It also reminds us that whatever we are experiencing “the earth is filled with God’s love” (verse 64). The Bible also sets the standard.
“It is always too easy in times of opposition to blame others for our own weaknesses. Even in such times we are not excused from an honest auditing of our lives in the light of Scripture” (Tim Meadowcroft, SU Encounter with God)
The more we read the Bible and become familiar with it, the better we will be at finding the passages that address our struggles.