Thankfully, we’re starting to get a sense that sports might soon resume. Although some sporting events are preparing for competition without fans, there are still question marks, and the news of the Little League World Series being canceled is disappointing.

As we continue to wait for live-action and current teams to take the field and court, we are left with the option to watch old games on TV. The level of excitement isn’t the same, but I’ll find myself watching a classic matchup for a few minutes here and there. I enjoy seeing the players I grew up watching, as well as, the games I missed the first time around.

In some ways, it’s nice to turn on the TV and still see that a game is on. If it’s a memorable game from one of my favorite teams, it’s fun to reflect on how amazing the win was. However, if it’s a game where my favorite team lost, there’s no point in reliving the pain of an outcome that is over and done with.

With the current status in the sports world, we have no choice but to live in the past and watch replays and reflect on previous seasons, games, and players. There are both positives and negatives to going down our own sports memory lane and it’s part of being a sports fan, especially right now.

When I parallel this to other areas of life, I realize there are also positives and negatives to reflecting on our life journeys and the past decisions and key moments along the way.

On one end, it’s nice to remember weddings, births, vacations, college experiences, different jobs we’ve had, and special people we’ve met. These memories warm our hearts and cause us to smile when we replay them in our minds.

Along the same lines, when we look back on the blessings of our lives and all the different ways God has shown His goodness and faithfulness, we’re filled with thankfulness and hope.

It’s important to pause and think about the countless ways God has changed our lives and the many instances He’s revealed His glory and power, so we have faith that He’ll continue to do so.

Two different Psalms in the Bible show us how to “throw on a replay” and ponder all of the amazing things God has done:

“I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done” (Psalm 9:1 (NLT).

“I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:12; ESV).

We also have to make sure we don’t dwell on the negative aspects of our past. Even though we can learn from our failures and mistakes, we have to move on and stop replaying them over and over. We need to let go and focus on the present and no longer hold onto grudges, bitterness, and anger.

There is great freedom when we stop putting so much focus and energy on something that has already happened. Just like an old game when our favorite team lost, we can’t change the outcome because it’s over and done with. Why would we want to relive old pain over and over?

It’s not always easy to move on from our past, but thankfully when we give our life to Jesus and surrender to Him, He transforms us and gives us a new life, a new power, and a new Spirit that enables us to push forward.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) explains, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

Praise God we are made brand new and can move on from our past. Today, I join you with the hope that instead of watching replays, we’ll be watching new games sooner than later!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful for the wonderful things You have done in my life. I pray I wouldn’t forget them so they fill me with hope and faith for the present and future. At the same time, I pray that You’d help me move on from my past mistakes and the pain that I still carry. I need to let it go and embrace the new life You’ve given me in Christ. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

  1. What are some of your favorite sports memories?

  2. When you ponder everything God has done in your life, what comes to mind?

  3. What painful sports memories do you have?

  4. What parts of your past do you continue to replay in your mind and need to let go of?