Running Down The Path

Psalms 119:30 – 32 – “I have chosen the way of truth: I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to Your statutes, O Lord: do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set me free.” NIV

When I read the phrase “running down the path” it conjured up memories of bygone summers. I can just feel the hot dust as my little bare feet trot down a windy path to the lake. The warm breeze tugs at my hair and I anticipate plunging in to the cool dark water awaiting me.

The feelings I have when I think of moments like that are of sheer pleasure and freedom. I think the last time I actually did something akin to that was in my young adulthood. Face it, as we grow older we forget how to “run down the path”. We start fretting about whether there are stickers on the way or if there are germs in the water, or a myriad of other things. We don’t have time to even think about the path much less look at the path or run down the path.

Since this Scripture is not speaking of a literal path, how does it pertain to me? The “path” is the way of truth, the laws of God and His statutes and commands. At first those words have a harsh sound to them, but they are no harsher than the statement that there is a law of gravity. “What goes up must come down.” There is absolute truth. That truth is found in God. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” I like to think of the word “Way” as the path. If we walk within the laws of God and His statutes we have no more cause for concern than a law abiding citizen has about being arrested by the police.

When we run in the path of His commands, we are set free. Have you ever noticed that when you are driving your vehicle with an expired safety sticker or tag and you see a police car, you feel uneasy? You pray that they will not be looking closely enough to realize that you are not up to date on your stuff. In contrast, when you have all the updated tags and stickers on your vehicle and you are obeying all the traffic laws, you don’t even think about being pulled over for an offense. That feeling is freeing.

When I started on the path of getting “Nan’s Journey” published I was skeptical. I thought I was too old and uninteresting for God to use in this way. He has faithfully helped me with every step I have taken. Sometimes I feel that I am crawling or creeping down the path. Other times I am running. I thank God that He is still leading me and cares about me. Would you like to join me in a little run?