Ready:
“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.” – Psalm 47:1-2
Set:
Coaches and athletes use the mantra “control what you can control.” But how much can you truly control? Sometimes circumstances about which you can do nothing seem to undermine your best efforts. Maybe you’ve encountered situations with no easy solutions, such as an injury or a team member who has a painful home life. Where do you turn when you realize you are actually not in control?
Psalm 47 is one of many places in the Bible in which God is referred to as “Most High.” This name indicates He is unrivaled in His supremacy. There is no one higher. He is the “great King over all the earth.” Scripture tells us that God is sovereign, which means He alone rules with authority and power over all creation. The Lord is in control.
How are we able to draw near to the Most High God, especially since we are sinful, flawed people? Here’s the good news: God sent His Son Jesus to make it possible for us to experience a real, eternal relationship with Him. In speaking about Jesus just before His birth, the angel says, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:32). When we surrender in faith to Jesus—following Him as our Savior and King—we are now enabled to draw near to the Most High God. To trust Christ is to put our confidence in our sovereign Lord who is in control.
The more we know the Most High, the deeper our awe of Him. This changes how we view the circumstances we encounter in our sport and life. Even the most challenging situations no longer feel overwhelming because we are confident in the wisdom and work of our Most High God. When we understand that He is King and His rule is loving and good, His reign over our life brings us joy.
The Most High God invites you to rest in His sovereign control over all things, including every circumstance and detail as an athlete or coach. He reigns over unexpected and painful situations. He has the power and wisdom needed to accomplish all He desires. There is nothing outside of His rule as our great and awesome King.
Go:
In what situations do you need to trust that God is in control and release your efforts to be in control?
How does knowing God is in control impact your approach to competing or coaching?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You because You are the Most High God and the great King over all the earth. I trust You because You are in control of all things, including what I experience in my life and my sport. I desire to rest in You and Your sovereignty. Amen.”