"Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play…it is war minus the shooting."
Joy and peace
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12Which of these is a better descriptor of your frame of mind in competition: joy and peace or anxiety and rage?
In my experience of asking athletes what I can pray for them, more have replied “peace of mind” than anything else. There are so many things in sport to be anxious about: your opponent, your own performance, sponsorship, injury, selection, your coach….
The idea of putting joy and peace together is an interesting one – for me a striking original concept. Jesus offers us peace (John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives) and joy (John 15:11 - I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete).
Joy is simply emotional stability. That’s most important during competition as we experience the inevitable swings of momentum from one team to the other. If we go out in joy, we have the emotional stability to react appropriately to each situation that arises.
Peace is the capacity to be calm in the midst of chaos and confusion. Competition is full of moments of confusion and we’re too often overcome by it. Peace gives you the ability to keep your mind focused on your assignment even when everything seems to be coming unglued.
As you compete, let peace and joy rule your hearts. Pray for the capacity to remain calm and under control, even in chaotic situations. Seek God’s character of joy to keep you emotionally afloat in the midst of a turbulent sea of momentum shifts. Compete with a joyful, peaceful heart today.
Much of this devotional was inspired by Roger Lipe