"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
Psalm 34 again
Glorify the LordGlorify the Lord with me. Psalm 34:3
When we have successes in life or in sport, it is very easy to congratulate ourselves: “Look at me. I am great”. This Psalm was probably written by or about David. He was a mighty warrior. He killed Goliath, the giant. He became king. He led his troops to numerous battles. People event chanted “David has killed 10,000”. David would have had a lot of reason to bask in his own achievements, to congratulate himself.
Instead he says: “I will glory in the Lord” (v2) and “Glorify the Lord with me” (v3).
The reason for this is that David recognizes the source of his strength and success. In verse 4 we read: “I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears”. David recognizes that God was involved in his life. He had prayed about the difficulties he faces and when they were resolved, it was clear to him that this was God’s doing and therefore that he should give the glory to God.
As we compete in sport – or whatever else we do in life – let us cultivate the sense of God being involved, of seeking God’s help and then acknowledging his part in anything we achieve.