With the NFL Draft starting tonight, we can expect surprising picks, impactful trades, and memorable moments.

As exciting and nerve-racking as it is for the players waiting to be picked, imagine the stress the teams will experience when they’re “on the clock” making crucial decisions.

It’s hard enough when the GM, owner, coaches, and scouts are all in the same “war room,” but this year they will be connected virtually.

The atmosphere will most likely be wildly intense with teams knowing they must make their pick in a matter of moments while considering many variables and a wide range of information.

From the back and forth phone calls…to the heated debates about players…to the shifting of plans midway through…to keeping up with countless scouting reports and unreliable technology, it’s got to be completely chaotic, stressful, exhilarating, and pressure-filled all at the same time!

The selections GMs make tonight will not only affect their job security, but also impact the fans that cheer for that team, the coaches who need the players to fit their system, and the current veterans on the roster who hope to still have a spot on the team. So much is on the line this evening and it’s stressful just to think about!

Although many of us will never have the opportunity to be an NFL GM and have the privilege to determine which player a team will choose (but thankfully we have Fantasy Football!), we frequently find ourselves in situations with chaos, pressure, and stress.

All too often I’m in the middle of a distressed, overwhelming, head-spinning season of life with everything moving at a rapid pace. I feel like I’m “on the clock” with so much on the line and can’t keep up with all of the decisions that need to be made and the options that need to be considered.

I’m guessing you, too, have these same challenges from time to time. The reality is, however, we can’t thrive or even survive in the mayhem unless we rely on Jesus for strength and peace. Even when we can’t prevent stressful situations, we must remember to pause and invite Christ to get us through.

The following Bible verses provide encouragement for these difficult times in life:

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) says, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.”

We can repeat this prayer from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) – “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

And Psalm 29:11 (NLT) tells us, “The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

Before the pressure mounts up and the anxiety takes over, we must meditate on scripture and recite God’s Word to renew our minds and place our trust in the God of peace to help us through.

Today as we consider our own situations that cause us to be “on the clock,” let’s remember peace and strength are found in Jesus. Let’s rely on Him for clarity as we make wise selections and overcome the chaos.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I find myself overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. I can’t get through this alone and I need the strength and peace that are found in Jesus. Help me not to let the craziness and chaos of life take me off course, but instead allow me to cling tighter to You. Thank you for your peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS: