The Oakland Raiders were embarrassed on Monday Night Football as they lost 33-13 to the LA Rams. This weekend they get a chance to bounce back against their divisional rival, the Denver Broncos.
Eyes will be on Raiders QB, Derek Carr, and his matchup against the Broncos tough defense led by linebacker, Von Miller. Despite Carr not playing great and throwing three interceptions in Week 1, the positive takeaway was he threw for over 300 yards completing 29 of 40 pass attempts.
His tight end, Jared Cook, and running back, Jalen Richard, each had nine receptions with many of them coming as a result of a quick throw made by Carr.
Carr’s ability to have a quick release is a strength, and Von Miller knows his defense will have to be prepared.
Miller told reporters on Thursday: “People don’t really want to play Derek [Carr]. He’s not going to give you a chance to rush the passer. I think the average time to throw the ball last year was 2.5 seconds. They had Derek throwing it in 2.2 on Monday. He’s going to get the ball out very quick and he’s very accurate with his throws.”
As Derek Carr utilizes the “quick release” to benefit his team and keep the defense on their toes, we can learn to implement a similar strategy in our own lives.
Every day we’re handed a “ball” that represents a reason to be angry, worried, fearful, anxious, overwhelmed, or bitter. When we encounter something going wrong or someone hurting us, we can either respond by holding onto it too long or releasing it quickly.
Whatever it may be, it’s better if we make a “quick release” before it takes us down.
Psalm 55:22 (AMP) offers this challenge: “Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).”
On each play, a quarterback must decide what to do with the ball and how quickly he needs to get rid of it before the defense gets to him. Likewise, we must be determined to get rid of anything before it causes us harm.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) implores us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
On the days that temptation causes us to sin, we have to decide to make the “quick release” toward grace and confession. Otherwise, if we hold onto it, we allow shame to take us down.
The truth is, Jesus offers us forgiveness and the chance to quickly release it as we turn toward Him.
Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) says, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
Today, let’s remain spiritually healthy and thriving by making the “quick throws” and releasing all negativity right away. Let’s throw our burdens quickly to Jesus in order to avoid being sacked.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would give me the strength to let go and release all of my burdens to You. I trust that You will sustain me and comfort me. I thank you for Your grace and mercy and for Your willingness to forgive me. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
