Read Ps 119:32-39.
Staying the course, finishing the race of life, is an essential part of Christian discipleship. Paul used the metaphor of a race to describe life (see 1 Cor 9:24-27, 1 Tim 6:11-16, 2 Tim 4:7-8), and the writer to the Hebrews urges us to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ (Heb 12:1) Life is not a sprint, but a long-distance race which requires endurance and persistence. ‘God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.’ (Ps 119:33, The Message)
We start out on the Christian life through repentance (see Ps 120) and continue the journey through obedience. The psalmist prays for understanding, recognising that choices have to be made on a daily basis (‘turn my eyes away from worthless things’ Ps 119:37; ‘turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.’ Ps 119:36)
Obedience is made up of daily choices: ‘my whole life one long obedient response.’ (Ps 119:35, The Message) Friedrich Nietzsche wrote ‘the essential thing in heaven and earth is… that there should be a long obedience in the same direction: there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something that has made life worth living.’ When we’re younger, we tend to obey sporadically, ‘when we feel like it,’ lacking consistency and doggedness in our lives. Obedience in the same direction requires a commitment to God, an acknowledgment of His ultimate goodness (‘Your laws are good’ Ps 119:39) and a tilting of heart and will towards His ways. Mary’s initial obedience to the angel’s message (Luke 1:38) was crucial, but it’s just as important to finish well as it is to start well.