“The joy of our Lord should be wheels to our obedience.” 1

My sister loves a challenge. So, at a single-digit age, why should she be satisfied with learning to ride a bike? Enter the rare and inspiring unicycle! She joyfully spun her way up and down hills, did tricks, turned on a coin (I’m sure it was the pre-inflation dime), and all without a… helmet. I, on the other hand, preferred the sedate and ubiquitous two-wheeler, and carefully obeyed the laws of gravity. OK, so I did try the “uni”, but with woeful ineptitude.

This memory burst asunder while studying Ps 119:30-32 and seeing the above quote In these verses. The psalmist makes a specific choice—to follow the way of truth and to set his heart on God’s laws. For him, the thought of obeying Scriptural directives and instruction does not dredge up a picture of teeth-gritting resignation. Rather, he recognizes the relief that this will bring. Not only does he set his face to follow these laws, but he has glued himself to them. As he desperately pleads for comfort and strength, the Lord releases him from the grief that is wearing away his soul. His heart is free, enlarged with hope, and he joyfully and confidently runs the straight path of the Lord’s commands.

A challenge--for sure! But whether running or wheeling, when we make the choice to follow His ways, He provides the joy.

1 ( Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.).