As sports fans, watching games usually conjures up strong emotions and powerful responses. When cheering for our favorite teams, we typically have passionate reactions based on how they're playing.
We find ourselves jumping out of our seats during a touchdown and high-fiving after a big defensive stop. We yell at the TV (hoping the players are motivated by our words), clap our hands, and smile big during exciting moments.
However, there are some seasons and certain weeks when we become numb to what is taking place during the games. We’re so used to our team scoring touchdowns that we take it for granted and don’t cheer as loudly after multiple touchdowns. When our team is up by 20, each play no longer causes us to sit on the edge of our seats.
Oftentimes, we watch multiple games and see countless plays, so we aren’t moved by much. We just sit and stare at the TV with very little reaction.
Maybe we’re worn out or distracted or disconnected from the game, and simply don’t cheer as frequently. Instead of being engaged in what is happening, we resort to watching sports because that’s just what we do.
Hopefully, this isn’t a common occurrence for most of us and our passion for sports remains intense. But if we’re honest, this type of attitude can easily infiltrate other areas of our lives.
We can get caught up in the busyness of life and end up taking things for granted, feeling disconnected or numb, and lacking real joy and thankfulness. When we start to just go through the motions, we have to pause and adjust our perspective.
As followers of Jesus, we want to be aware of all that God has done for us and continues to do. Our response to His goodness and faithfulness should always be worshipful and thankful.
Psalm 29:2 (ESV) proclaims, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”
When we feel disengaged, we must understand what it means to be connected to the source of our joy and passion. Jesus says in John 15:5 (NIV), “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Today, let’s experience the fullness of our life in Christ as we find joy in bringing glory to God. We worship Him and praise Him and are filled with cheerfulness because of who He is and what He’s done.
Hebrews 12:28 (NLT) says, “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.”
We have plenty of reasons to get out of our seats and stand in amazement. Let’s quiet our hearts and turn our eyes toward Him as we declare Psalm 118:28-29 (ESV):
“You are my God, and I will give thanks to You; You are my God; I will extol You. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it’s no wonder I feel disconnected from You when I chase other things apart from You. Please forgive me for lacking passion and joy, and give me a desire to have a perspective of thankfulness and worship. You are always so faithful and worthy of my praise. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What area of life do you feel numb or disconnected?
Why is having a heart of worship and thankfulness so important?
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