Tammy On Tuesday ~ But Do I Run?

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All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  1 Cor 9:25

I know when it comes to running that there are generally 2 camps – those who love to run and those who hate it. But even though I am someone who loves to run, I go through this tug-of-war in my mind each morning, deciding if I’ll get out there and actually do it – if I’ll get out there and do something I know I love to do. Runners, I think you know what I mean.

I got some great new running gear for Christmas. I noticed not long ago that my old running shoes were wearing a hole through the tread which would explain the aches and pains I felt throughout the day after my runs. So before Christmas, I told Mark I needed a new pair of shoes. I’m not as young as I used to be and I just needed more support.  

 

PINIMAGEChristmas morning, Mark surprised me with some Adidas Boost running shoes and they fit like a glove! I LOVE THEM! Yesterday was my first day back to my running routine and I got to try out my new shoes. During my cool down I felt so accomplished. I looked down at my shoes with appreciation. I even thought about taking a picture of them so I could post about these great new shoes. What a difference they made! My run was so much more enjoyable. One thing was for sure, my joints were grateful! It was just good to be outside in God’s creation. I had missed it over the Christmas break. I said to myself, “And you were gonna talk yourself out of running today!” 

The truth is I have never spent a “cool-down” regretting a run. When I make the effort for physical fitness, I immediately discern the benefits. It’s just good for me: mind, body, and soul.

That’s why it’s surprising to me that there have been plenty of days I’ve talked myself out of a run.  

 

But the battle is real…

To run would mean I would have to plan extra time in my day, (aka get up earlier)

I would actually have to throw back the covers and get out of bed.

I would have to change out of my pajamas.  

I would have to put on all that new gear.  

I would have to leave my bedroom.  

Sadly, it doesn’t take much to divert me from what I love to do.

When laziness goes head to head with discipline, laziness sometimes wins. 

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The bottom line is, I must be disciplined to enjoy the benefits of running. I can have all the greatest gear but if I don’t get out there and do it, what good is that to me? 

I love to run. That’s true.

I love my new running shoes. Also true.

I have all I need to get in a great run. True true true. 

I can even tell people I love to run. True.

But do I run?  

I just have to do it.

I’m going to share something so foundational here, it almost seems unnecessary to say it. This principle is the same when it comes to spending time alone with God.

I love God.

I love spending time with God.

I love to read His Word.

I have some really really great resources to help me do just that.

I even got some great new study helps for Christmas.

I love to pray. 

But do I do it?

I am writing today to my friends who have had really good intentions to spend more time with God in this new year. Maybe you too got some great resources for Christmas, maybe a new Bible? But I’m here this morning to say, “Get up and do it.”  

Get up and do it.  

There has never been a time that I’ve set aside to spend with God that I have ever regretted.  

Today’s post is so simple, but it’s written to motivate you to do what will enrich your life more than any bodily exercise, better than any self-help book, better than any other way to invest your time. You have the opportunity to grow in relationship with God Himself and learn more about who He is and what He wants for your life.

 To learn, you must love discipline. Prov 12:1a

The following passage not only reflects the heart to know God but the action that follows. Just like having the desire to run and then actually doing it, the writer of Psalm 63 knew the importance of discipline that stirs desire into action. 

O God, you are my God;

    I earnestly search for you.

My soul thirsts for you;

    my whole body longs for you

in this parched and weary land

    where there is no water.

I have seen you in your sanctuary

    and gazed upon your power and glory.

Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

    how I praise you!

I will praise you as long as I live,

    lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

    I will praise you with songs of joy.  

Psalm 63:1-5

Notice where the Psalmist said he earnestly searches for God. He meets with God…in His sanctuary. He gazes upon the Lord acknowledging His power and glory.  

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A Gaze, not a glance.

To gaze means: look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.

The Psalmist didn’t talk himself out of it. He didn’t cut his time short. He disciplined himself to abide in the sanctuary of God. And the result of his time before God is a heart of praise, prayer, satisfaction, and joy.

Perhaps you needed a reminder today to discipline your heart to spend time on what really matters with the One you love. Don’t let it simply be a desire. 

Do it today.