"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
Opposition
I keep thinking about your teachings even if rulers plot against me. Psalm 119:23Opposition is a prominent theme of the Psalm. There are at least 18 references to it.People sneered at him (v22), insulted him (v39, 42), mistreated him (v121) and abused the writer (v134). There is always a price to pay for taking your stand for God. In some parts of the world people literally put their lives on the line daily as they follow Jesus. For many of us it is just some gentle teasing.
Living by God's standards in the world of sport will not increase our popularity. Our lifestyle will challenge the lack of integrity of some of our sports friends in matters of money and sex for example. We can expect opposition.
If we look more fully at the verses we referred to above we will see that God's word is both the cause of the opposition and the answer to it.
Don't let them sneer and insult me for following you (v22).
I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word (v42).
Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts (v134).
As we encounter opposition, be glad that God has given us the opportunity to stand for him. Rely on his word which will last for ever and give us the strength and answers we need.