Are We Playing Goalie?

In any sport, Game 7's are greatly anticipated and intensely played, so tonight's matchup between the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars is expected to be a good one. On Sunday, the Blues won Game 6 by a score of 4-1 to extend the series and force a deciding Game 7 on their home ice tonight. Jordan Binnington, St. Louis' rookie goalie, will be back in goal after his recent strong performance. Binnington stopped 22 shots on goal in Game 6, and despite letting one sneak by during a power-play in the first period, he made sure no other goals were scored by the Stars after that.

Remaining alert and disciplined while protecting the net as the puck came from all directions, Binnington proved he could handle the big moment and will need to do the same again tonight.

I’m not a hockey expert, but it’s pretty clear that a team can only go as far as their goalie takes them. As soon as he starts letting pucks in the net, a team is in trouble. This same concept is true in our own lives. Each of us has a responsibility to guard our hearts and minds against evil, discouragement, impure thoughts, and negativity.

Every day we have “pucks flying” in every direction, trying to sneak in and penetrate our lives to cause pain and trouble. We must always be aware and ready to defend “our net,” and be willing to dive in front of the sin that attacks through culture, media, people, and our past desires.

When these “pucks” are inching closer, we must have a quick glove ready and prevent them from having any room to enter. In hockey, a puck only needs a little space to get by the goalie and the same is true when we give the enemy a little room in our lives.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:27 (AMP), “And do not give the devil an opportunity .”

Although remaining on guard and blocking sinful thoughts and actions from our lives is challenging, as followers of Jesus, we are given power and strength through the Holy Spirit to think differently and battle well.

Romans 8:5 (NLT) says, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”

As we watch Game 7 and St. Louis' Jordan Binnington controlling the net, let’s be reminded to submit to the Holy Spirit’s control as we fortify our “net” and protect our hearts and minds from everything that’s trying to destroy us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me remain on guard and willing to fight against the evil thoughts that try to enter in. Help me focus on You and the wonderful things that please You, instead of the sinful things that cause me great trouble and pain. Thank you for providing me the strength and power I need through Your spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.