The NFL Playoffs are coming quickly! The next few weeks will be highly intriguing with divisional matchups and almost every game affecting the playoff picture.

There are at least 12 teams in the AFC and 11 in the NFC that are still technically alive with a chance to sneak into one of the six postseason slots.

So far we can confidently feel good about the Ravens, Patriots, 49ers, Packers, and Saints getting in, but who will have the home-field advantage?

Will the Vikings be able to catch the Packers to win the NFC North division? Can the Eagles catch fire and pass the Cowboys in the NFC East? Will the Rams be left out or can they move past the Seahawks?

Last night, the Texans got a huge win over the Colts as they fight for the AFC South title. This weekend, we’ll see key matchups between the Seahawks and Eagles, Panthers and Saints, Cowboys and Patriots, and Packers and 49ers.

At this point in the year, it becomes chaotic and cluttered as we try to determine each team’s situation and their chances of making the playoffs. There are so many potential scenarios and possible paths for teams to get into the playoffs and/or secure a first-round bye.

As fans, when we start trying to process all of the information and predict the outcomes of games, the next six weeks will definitely prove to be chaotic and cluttered.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we also probably sense our lives becoming “chaotic and cluttered.” As the year winds down, we have a lot to process while we navigate through the busyness of events, responsibilities, decisions, and expectations.

Of course, as teams fight for the playoffs, they know they must take it one game at a time. Similarly, we know we have to take it one day at a time, but it’s still hard to fight against the “chaotic and cluttered” feelings we experience.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called out of that type of chaotic lifestyle and cluttered thinking into peace, wisdom, and self-control. When our minds start to race and we’re overwhelmed by trying to figure out how things are going to play out or get done, we can rest in the words of Isaiah 26:3 (NLT):

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.”

Although the playoff picture is chaotic, we know the reality of the cliche “teams have to control what they can control.” Likewise, even when some of the chaos is out of our control, there are still decisions we make each day that contribute to the outcome of our circumstances.

We can push back against chaos and clutteredness by having self-control and wisdom. 1 Peter 4:7 (AMP) shows us how to live that out: “The end and culmination of all things are near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.]”

James 1:5 (ESV) reminds us that “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Today, let’s exercise self-control and make wise decisions that give us peace. Even when chaos and clutteredness surround us, let’s choose to focus on Jesus so we have the proper perspective when viewing our own “playoff picture.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray for peace in my chaos and for wisdom and clarity in my clutteredness. Please give me strength for self-control, and help me trust You with everything that is out of my control. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.