Ready:
“How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD of Armies. I long and yearn for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.” —Psalm 84:1-2
Set:
Every athlete has a wish list. It’s somewhat like a Christmas wish list. We think a lot about what we hope happens in our sport. We wish for being on the team. For some athletes making the team is a given and for others they have to wait to see. We wish for success and a lot of playing time. There is always the wish to make the playoffs and ultimately win the championship.
In an athlete’s life and journey with Jesus Christ, there should be just one wish on our list. That we could be close to Him in every day. To those who have a growing relationship with Him the desire (wish) is to draw ever closer to Jesus. King David, who wrote most of the Psalms, often talked about this wishful thinking, the desire and longing, to be near God and to be in His presence. What Davis wrote is quite profound and does reveal what it should be like for us to desire and wish to be near God and to be with Him. In Psalm 84:1-2 he was saying that he sees clearly what it’s like where God is; it’s a beautiful, lovely place. Where God lives, dwells, is amazing and David wishes to be there. So much so that it’s the only thing he wishes for.
As you think about this, at a deep level in your soul, do you long to be near to God and in His dwelling place? The way you wish and long for a high-level accomplishment and success as an athlete, is it similar to the wishes in your spiritual life? He is the One who made you. He gave you ability and opportunity to play and enjoy the sport you love. Maybe this gift of sport and your talent was given to you to show you God and draw you closer to Him.
Take some time to consider what you wish for most and how much time and effort you give to succeed in it. Then compare that to how much you wish for God and how much time and effort you give to get closer to Him. What we wish for most should be God and His presence. There is no greater joy and satisfaction than being near to God.
Go:
What is a wish you have in your sport?
Do you long for God? Do you wish to get closer to Him and to know Him better? What can you do to increase your closeness to God?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Father God, thank You that You made me. It is Your desire, Your wish, that I come close and be near You. Inspire my thoughts and heart to long to be with You. Teach me how to come near to You. I know this is the best place for me to be. Help me take steps to walk closer and closer to You. Amen.”