Lord, how long will You continually forget me? How long will You hide Your face from me? – Psalm 13:1 As coaches, we have all watched helplessly as gifted athletes suddenly go into a “funk” and can’t hit a baseball, make a foul shot or sink a putt.
“Lord, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness listen to my plea, and in Your righteousness answer me.” – Psalm 143:1 (Holman Christian Standard) The text comes as regular as rain. It always reads the same and I instantly know the source.
“You ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure.” – James 4:3 (Holman Christian Standard) It was another important game and as the team took the field, I asked the coach if there was anything I could do for him. His answer was quick and to the point, “PRAY”! As we headed for the sideline to get ready for the opening kickoff, I assured him I would not only pray, but I would pray without ceasing.
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22 (Holman Christian Standard) In the world of sport, thinking too highly of yourself is a dangerous road to travel. It’s an easy trap for athletes and teams to fall into. The media and fans often go over the top in their efforts to build up a particular game, player or team.
So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.