"The Draft Room"

The NBA Draft took place last night, and as always, was filled with surprising picks, impactful trades, and memorable moments. As fun and nerve-racking as it is for the players waiting to be drafted, I can only imagine what teams “on the clock” deciding who to choose must actually experience. One of my dreams as a sports fan is to be in the draft room of one of the franchises, and have the opportunity to witness what really takes place. I think about the phone calls they are making and receiving, the debates going on about players, the altering of their plans midway through the draft, and all the different scouting reports being kept up with. I have to believe it’s totally chaotic, stressful, exhilarating, and pressure-filled - all at the same time! Although I’d enjoy being a bystander in the craziness of a team’s draft room, sometimes I find myself as an active participant in the chaos of my own life. All too often I’m in the middle of a stressful, overwhelming, head-spinning season of life with everything moving at a rapid pace. I feel like I’m “on the clock” and can’t keep up with all of the decisions that need to be made and the options that need to be considered. I’m guessing you, too, have these same challenges from time to time. The reality is, however, we can’t thrive or even survive in the mayhem unless we rely on Jesus for strength and peace while the storms swirl around us. Even when we can't prevent stressful situations, we must remember to pause and invite Christ to get us through. The following verses from the Bible provide encouragement for these difficult times in life: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) says, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” We can repeat this prayer from Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) - “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” And Psalm 29:11 (NLT) reads, “The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” Today as you consider your own “draft room,” or situation that causes you to be “on the clock,” remember that peace and strength are found in Jesus. Don't forget to rely on Him to make wise decisions…even as the pressure intensifies. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I find myself overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. I can’t get through this alone and I need the strength and peace that are found in Jesus. Help me not to let the craziness and chaos of life take me off course, but instead allow me to cling closer to You. Thank you for Your peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.