As I try to figure out what to write today, I must confess I’m in a state of uncertainty, disappointment, concern, and bewilderment as to what comes next.
This is, of course, because of the coronavirus and the alarming impact it’s having not only on our world but now on the sports world.
While realizing the importance of wisdom, compassion, and protection during this time of trying to prevent the disease from spreading, it's hard not to think about how sports are being so dramatically affected.
After all, I’m a huge sports fan who leads a ministry for sports fans and sports are a significant part of my life. They aren't the most important but watching, writing, and talking about sports is what I do!
Now, we won't see the conference tournaments be completed...there will be no NBA on TNT tonight or in the near future...and while writing this, the NCAA Tournament has been officially canceled. So much for UNPACKIN' it's March Madness viewing party and our bracket fundraiser!
Major League baseball is delaying the start to their season and the NFL offseason will be impacted too. We still have golf, which I’ll probably write about tomorrow.
Although feeling sad as a sports fan seems insignificant compared to the larger scope of a deadly disease, it doesn’t mean we aren't bummed about missing all of these sporting events.
Many of us had plans to go to the NCAA games and enjoy the fun of filling out our brackets and watching the games over the next couple of weeks...and I can't imagine what the players are thinking, along with all of the others who are affected at every level of involvement.
So now what? How do we survive with no sports? More importantly, how do we view this whole situation through the lens of faith? How do we respond as followers of Jesus and what kind of encouragement does the Bible provide us?
Very simply, we have to remind ourselves where our strength comes from and who our faith is truly in. The government and sports commissioners don’t hold the answers and ultimately can’t provide what we need during an uncertain time like this. Only God provides the hope, comfort, and peace we desperately need.
We can assuredly rest in these verses:
Psalm 29:11 (AMP) says, "The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.”
Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV) tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The thrilling buzzer-beaters and overall excitement of March Madness won't be experienced this year, but that realization doesn’t have to steal our true joy.
We can continue to rejoice and remain thankful for everything we have in Christ who is our comfort, peace, and hope.
Today let’s declare what it says in Psalm 31:14 (ESV), ”But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'”
He is good, faithful, and powerful and worthy to be trusted. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know this world is filled with pain, disease, and brokenness. I know You are my joy and my hope in the midst of it all. Please give me peace and comfort as I trust You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
How can we remain wise and properly concerned while still having peace?
How have you responded to all that is going on in the world right now?
Is your response rooted in Christ?
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