At noon today, Duke and UNCW get the NCAA tournament officially started while other games continuously tip-off in succession. I know how excited I am, so I can only imagine how the players and coaches must feel.
Playing and winning on this big stage has probably been the dream of most of these athletes, and this may be their one and only chance. Along with positive and enthusiastic emotions, I’m sure they also have feelings of anxiety, pressure, and worry. Not wanting to let their family or the fans down, and realizing their NBA chances may be on the line, players wrestle with mixed emotions before the ball is even tipped.
When it comes to our own lives, I’m sure we can relate to some level of anxiety, pressure, and worry – even from the greatest opportunities. We’re hopefully thankful for our job and enjoy what we do, but uneasiness and concern can still infiltrate our mind each day.
Although marriage is awesome, apprehension can creep in leading up to the wedding…and afterward when striving to be a loving spouse. Having a baby is a beautiful miracle, but nervousness can arise during pregnancy…and when taking on the responsibility of
Regardless of the circumstances, the Bible offers us hope in Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP): “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
Every day we face the battle of trusting God instead of letting anxiety and worry win. It’s not easy, but if we continue to follow Jesus closely we know there is hope.
Today, let’s find peace because of Jesus and experience joy in the situations we face. Let’s not allow anxiety, pressure, and worry take that joy away…and let’s all ENJOY some basketball! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to come to You in prayer, regardless of the circumstance or situation. Please help me to trust You more while finding peace that surpasses all understanding because of Jesus. Please help me to experience joy in all of the opportunities and blessings You’ve given me, instead of letting pressure or worry steal it. Thank you for Your deep love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
