“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Coaching can be hard! The pressures of leading athletes, following up with them, and sometimes working through difficult situations together is a challenging journey. Doing all of this while trying to grow spiritually and walk with God can be overwhelming. Sit down with a coach and ask them about the load they are carrying and you will often come away wondering how and why they do what they do. Difficulties are not limited to coaches—we all face them. The Scriptures are filled with examples of men and women who faced challenges and hardship in life. The apostle Paul would be a great example—he was no stranger to difficulty and struggles.

What was Paul’s secret? He tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that the key to avoiding anxiety is remembering how God has come through in the past and trusting that He is the same God who will sustain you in the future. When you are confident of this, you can fight the anxiety that comes with difficulty and hardship. As you pray, you can experience the peace of God that guards your heart and mind. Paul knew that everyone faces anxiety at some point in their lives. We will be stretched, challenged and heartbroken. In the midst of the hardship we can find peace that will carry us through the day—then the next and the next.

Heavenly Father, You are the same God today You were yesterday. Be with me in my struggles today and give me Your peace. Guard my heart and keep my eyes focused on Your Son Jesus Christ. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.