A young David finds the answer to an age old question that few will even consider. If it be that God demands man's moral perfection then how can I attain it (see Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4 and 1 John 4:17 to name only a few passages)? The pessimist views moral perfection as impossible. Jesus tells us; however, that all things are possible with God (see Matthew 19:26). Psalms 119 confirms the Lord and apostles' teaching on the subject regarding the relationship between grace and moral perfection (2 Corinthians 5:21). Once David sees and understands God's expectation of perfection then he puts his all into attaining it.
Reading the chapter is like looking into the life of an exceptional athlete or musician. The one standing upon the top podium for the Olympic 1500 meters did not get there by a casual approach to his sport. The ultimate prize is attained by a combination of passion and a work ethic paralleled by few. The person that receives the gift of God's salvation will be just like the athlete. The Apostle Paul said that the athlete works for a physical reward yet the saints for an imperishable crown (see 1 Corinthians 9:23-27). David, the man after God's own heart, displays a passion and work ethic for God's gifts that is found only in a few (Matthew 7:13-14). Psalms 119 gives clarity to the New Testament teaching on the relationship between obedience, grace, and salvation. The one thing that every right thinking person should be striving for in this life is God's gift of salvation.