On ESPN.com, there's an article written by Kevin Seifert that begins with the question, “How unsettled is the NFL playoff race?” We still have one more game tonight, but as of now, there's no team clinching a playoff spot.
If you’ve been following the NFL this year and keeping an eye on the standings, you know how similar the records are and how so many teams are still fighting for a postseason birth.
Although it seems likely to have more clarity after Week 14 games, numerous divisions are still up in the air, and wild card spots won’t be decided until the final week.
So in the meantime, how do players on teams still in playoff contention handle the “unsettled NFL playoff race,” the constantly changing standings, and the uncertainty surrounding what team will win the division?
First of all, they must trust their head coach to guide them over the next couple of weeks.
Secondly, they must remain humble, knowing they could slip up against any opponent over the next few weeks.
Lastly, they must play with confidence and peace and not worry about the unknowns of the final playoff standings.
This year's NFL season has been especially wild and confusing and figuring out what teams will make the playoffs, win divisions, and receive home-field advantage has been hard. For fans, this makes it entertaining to watch each week, but for players, it must be very challenging.
In life, when things are unsettled, up in the air, unclear, and uncertain, we can become frustrated, discouraged, and confused. Last month I wrote about when life “makes no sense,” but today I want to focus on what we can do when we feel unsettled, or experiencing lots of change.
Just like the playoff picture is not yet resolved, in doubt, and undetermined, our “life’s picture” may be in a similar spot right now. We’re not sure what’s going to happen with our job, our health, our family struggles, or the pandemic.
Thankfully as followers of Jesus, our circumstances may be unsettled, but our heart, soul, and mind can remain settled as we persevere toward clarity. We can also take a similar approach to NFL players.
First of all, we must trust our “head coach” to guide us when we're unsettled and wondering how things are going to turn out.
The Lord promises us in Psalm 32:8 (NLT), “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Secondly, we must remain humble and dependent on God while knowing we can slip up against any opponent when trying to figure things out in our own strength and limited understanding.
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP): “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God , so that He may exalt you at the appropriate time, casting all your cares on Him, for He cares about you .”
Lastly, we must live with confidence and peace instead of worrying about the unknowns of life. We can do so because of Jesus and what He told the disciples before He returned to Heaven.
John 14:27 (NLT) says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Today, as the year ends and aspects of life feel very unsettled, let’s keep seeking clarity from God and remember that as followers of Jesus we can remain at peace with humble hearts while trusting Him to guide us.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I have questions and concerns about my next steps in life, but I trust You to show me what to do. Please reveal Your will to me, and help me to remain humble and obedient as I seek You. Please give me peace in the midst of feeling unsettled. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What uncertainty or big questions do you have on your mind today?
Ho do you normally handle being unsettled and how does it affect you?
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