LeBron James and the Cavs knocked the Toronto Raptors out of the playoffs with a 4-0 sweep in their series. Heading to his eighth straight Eastern Conference Final, LeBron has proven his worthiness with buzzer-beating faders, behind the back passes, and impossible fadeaway jumpers.

Throughout the playoffs, LeBron has been carrying his team with an average of 33.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. His level of play earns him recognition as the best player in the league, and is certainly being considered as the best player ever.

With fans all over the world enjoying the ride and rooting for LeBron, the Cleveland fans have the deepest ties and are the most excited about the possibility of him bringing another championship to their city.

Unfortunately, the enthusiasm of many is tempered as they wonder whether LeBron will bolt to the Lakers, Sixers, Knicks, or Rockets following the season.

With concerns about LeBron’s next move looming, Cavs fans must choose to remain excited about the present or be worried about the future. Cavs fans can either embrace his current performances and soak in the memories of LeBron’s game-winning shots…or they can be anxious about what will happen next.

Hopefully most Cavs fans are at peace and embracing what they do have…one of the greatest players in NBA history leading their team! Even if LeBron does leave, it doesn’t take away this amazing experience or give them a reason to hold back their joy.

In our own lives, we also wrestle between having joy and peace at the moment or being anxious and worried about the uncertainty of our future. We can easily get caught up in the what ifs and what comes next, and suppress our current excitement because we’re afraid something won’t last.

But if we look back on other seasons of life, we can realize too much time was spent worrying. Our joy was stolen because we were more concerned about what might happen later on instead of soaking in the actual moment.

So, whether our present season of life is difficult or exciting, there is purpose and enjoyment for today. As followers of Jesus, there is peace available to replace any worry or anxiousness about what’s next so we can fully embrace right now.

Jesus said in John 14:27 (AMP), ”Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

Today, let’s be grateful for the part of the journey we’re experiencing right now and find peace as we rest in knowing that God holds our future.

“…let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 – NLT).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn’t get caught up in the worries of tomorrow and be anxious about the future. Help me embrace today – enjoying all of Your many blessings and finding peace in knowing You’re using everything for good. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.