The weekend's NFL Divisional playoff round delivered enjoyable games to watch and impressive performances by the league’s top players. Most people expected the 49ers and Ravens to win since they are number one seeds and loaded with talent, and the majority thought the Lions had the advantage, as well. While all three of these teams took care of business, the Packers, Texans, and Bucs can hold their heads high for their ability to overachieve this season. We wrapped up the weekend with the much-anticipated matchup between the Chiefs and the Bills as Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes traveled to Buffalo for the first time in the playoffs. This game was epic and lived up to the hype once again, but this one was supposed to have a different outcome. The Bills needed to win, and considering how well they've been playing and how incredible their turnaround was during the season, it appeared things were lining up for them to beat the Chiefs in front of the loyal “Bills Mafia.” But unfortunately for Bills fans, a missed field goal, key dropped passes, a failed fake punt, and a defense decimated with injuries, ultimately led to a heartbreaking 27-24 loss. Buffalo had their opportunities and if a few plays went their way, the result may have been different. Instead, fans are in despair, especially with it being the third straight season they lost in the second round of the playoffs, and the third time in four years the Chiefs knocked them out. Understandably, Bills fans woke up today with anguish, misery, and gloom for having watched their team go another season without that Super Bowl win they so desperately wanted to experience. Despite their emotions being real (I have empathy for all the Bills fans), we also know it’s just sports and that many people woke up today with immense despair and anguish about major life situations. Misery and gloom are present because of broken relationships, a difficult job status, the devastating loss of a loved one, a health diagnosis, or countless other heartbreaking outcomes. Whether in sports or life, despair takes over when hope disappears. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to let misery, gloom, and anguish remain and dominate our emotions and outlook. When we find ourselves consumed by pain, unhappiness, and discouragement, we must always turn to the Lord and allow Him to meet us in that place. Psalm 34:17-19 (NLT) tells us, “The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” When we find ourselves filled with the despair that comes from life’s problems, we must ask as the Psalmist does in Psalm 43:5 (AMP): “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me?” We must also remind ourselves as the Psalmist continues, “Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” When we face the losses of life, we can't let despair win. Instead, let's always keep our hope in the One who heals, comforts, and rescues. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please pull me out of my despair and anguish and help me hope in You. I know You are near and I know that You care. Thank you for being willing to rescue me and heal me. I pray You will work mightily in me and please help me worship You through the pain. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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