Ready:
“Happy are those who keep his decrees and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.” – Psalm 119:2-3
Set:
Coaches want their players to trust them and their leadership. It’s not enough for athletes to say that they trust the coach, however. They need to follow the instructions given by their coach. Genuine trust is demonstrated by actions.
The same is true for us when it comes to what God speaks to us in the Bible. Psalm 119—a psalm that celebrates God’s Word—emphasizes the importance of not only trusting the Bible but also living by it. Psalm 119:2-3 points to the happiness and blessings of God we experience as we keep His decrees and walk in His ways. Because this is the case, the psalmist says of God (v. 4), “You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept.” Psalm 119 then goes on to highlight many benefits of diligently living out the Bible’s instructions. Here are a few: acting according to God’s Word infuses us with hope (v. 49), keeps us from being put to shame (v. 80), gives us life (v. 93), shows us how to live wisely (v. 98), enables us to do what is right (v. 138), and fills us with peace (v. 165).
While the Bible doesn’t tell you what play you should run or what’s the best offseason training regiment, it speaks to dimensions of deeper importance for being a successful athlete or coach. God’s Word directs you in how to love the Lord through how you treat your teammates or those who play for you, what to say or not say, what to do when angry, how to avoid temptation, what to prioritize…and so many other things.
Do you want to walk in God’s ways as an athlete or coach whose faith is in Christ? Read, study, reflect on and apply what God says through His Word. There is no other way. Trust the Bible, and demonstrate that trust through daily living by it.
Go:
In what areas are you saying you trust the Bible but you’re not fully living according to what it says?
As you think about your current situation—including as an athlete or coach—how specifically is God directing you to live out His Word?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the blessings You give as I diligently keep Your Word and walk in Your ways. By your power and grace, I pray that I would live fully for you today. Amen.”