by Melissa Sharp
“I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8
Over the weekend, an article titled “She Became an Elite Runner by Leaving Running Behind” described how Keira D’Amato quit competitive running at age twenty-four, lived a completely normal decade, and later returned as a “hobby jogger” with no expectations. But when she ran a race again—just for fun—her story took off.
At thirty-seven, while working as a realtor and raising two children in Richmond, she won the 2022 Houston Marathon in 2:19:12, breaking the American record. She later set the national half-marathon record. Her memoir “Don’t Call It a Comeback,” explains how letting go of the chase opened the door to joy that reshaped her entire life.
You’ve got to love a story like that—someone stops striving and suddenly discovers a better way!
King David’s life followed a similar pattern. His journey was full of highs and lows, victories and sins, triumphs and disasters. He chased the wrong gods—lust, pride, self, deceit—and reaped the sorrow they brought. But in it all he discovered that the greatest pursuits of life aren’t personal records, but rather, a personal relationship with the Lord.
In Psalm 16, David declares the secret that steadied his soul:
“I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8
He didn’t learn this overnight. His failure with Bathsheba brought him to repentance, and repentance restored him. He knew the high price of sin:
“Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god… O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance.” Psalm 16:4–6
David ran after other gods, and he knew firsthand the misery they bring. But when he repented, God became his cup, his strength, his joy, and his confidence. This Psalm ends with one of the greatest promises in Scripture:
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Only God shows the “path of life.” Only God gives lasting joy. Only God can steady our steps and anchor our souls so firmly that we are truly “not moved.” This Christmas season, while the world chases accomplishments, pleasures, and recognition, remember the better race. Set the Lord always before you. Keep Him at your right hand. Be content with the portion and cup He provides.
God satisfies our needs, not our greeds.
Run toward Him; run with His mind; His thoughts; and His goals and…you will not be moved.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy when we stray and Your grace when we repent. Teach us to set You always before us and rely on Your strength. Help us to be content with the boundary lines You have drawn and to reject every false god that only multiplies our sorrow. Help us to reject our own selfish goals. Show us the path of life, fill us with the joy of Your presence, and help us run faithfully the race You’ve given us. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
