Mental Training

Ready: 

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God… Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” —Philippians 4:6 & 8  

Set:  What do Michael Phelps and Simone Biles have in common? Both are world-class athletes who faced a battle outside the spotlight—crippling anxiety. Phelps admitted that even with 28 Olympic medals, he battled depression and panic attacks. Biles stunned the sports world by stepping away from Olympic competition in 2021 to protect her mental health. Their honesty showed that even the strongest athletes wrestle with invisible pressure.  

The Bible doesn’t ignore anxiety. Writing from prison, Paul exhorts us to give God what only He can control (Phil. 4:6) and to focus on what we can: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). His game plan is clear—spiritual disciplines build strength for anxious moments.  

After stepping away from the Olympics, Simone Biles said, “I have to focus on my mental well-being and that’s why I decided to take a step back.” Michael Phelps admitted, “Once I opened up about my struggles, it made me stronger, not weaker.” Both remind us that anxiety is real and nervousness is normal. Professional tools like counseling, breathing techniques and sports psychology can help—but they’re incomplete without the Spirit’s power.  

Mental training is as vital as physical training. For Jesus’ followers, true strength comes from building spiritual muscle memory through daily habits—prayer (God-talk), Scripture (God-insight) and meditation (God-wisdom). These practices train our core with what we can control, while releasing to God what only He can carry. Growing strong in the Spirit means faith drills that build toughness for competition, school and work. Faith training develops godly resilience like lifting weights, grinding through wind sprints and pushing through two-a-days.  

Go: 

1. How can spiritual habits become your “faith drills,” like push-ups or wind sprints for the soul? 

2. When anxiety feels bigger than you, what practical habits help you regain control? 

3. How can you become someone who listens, encourages and points others toward God’s peace when they face anxiety? 

 Workout: 

Overtime: