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Cleaning House

By: Sarah Roberts

READY

“Then he did away with the idolatrous priests the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense at the high places in the cities of Judah and in the areas surrounding Jerusalem.”—2 Kings 23:5

SET

We are athletes, but we differ in how we utilize our abilities. Although we may not connect within the same sport, there is something that still connects us within the participation of our different sports: the pressure to perform. We can all relate to the thoughts of anxiousness, feelings of self-doubt, and overwhelming fear of failure that are rooted in our pressure to prove ourselves: to our parents, our coaches, our peers, and yes, maybe even God.

How can we handle this pressure?

As we read God’s Word, there are plenty of men and women who understand this pressure and stress, including King Josiah. Josiah was handed the keys to the kingdom of Israel at just eight years old. For thirty-one years he led God’s people. Imagine the pressure of leading an entire nation! Yet, he did it well. There were things made for other gods that were brought into God’s house and King Josiah had them removed.

Like Josiah, there are times we just need to “clean house.” What have we brought into our minds, hearts, and bodies that do not honor God and add pressure to our lives? Are we watching shows on Netflix that lead our minds to dark places, listening to songs that make us more anxious, spending hours scrolling on social media comparing ourselves to others? It’s time to remove the things that lead us further from the Lord. We can ask Him to help us remove them if we’re having a tough time letting go.

Josiah didn’t just remove things, but people as well. There are times that God wants us to remove toxic relationships or friendships that don’t lead us toward Him or encourage us in Him. There are some people who can’t be removed from our lives, but we can remove what space we let them have in our minds. We can replace what they say with what God says. He says we are beloved (John 3:16), chosen (Jeremiah 1:5), redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), and so much more.

The stress we are under is often rooted in the need to prove ourselves, but God clearly marks out a better way to relieve the pressure and live in His strength. We don’t have to prove ourselves to the world; we just have to be living proof of a risen God.

GO

1. What are your three biggest pressure points as an athlete?
2. How can you take the points above and integrate them into these struggles?
3. Prioritize spending time in God’s Word and handing Him your burdens each day.

WORKOUT

• Jeremiah 1:5
• John 14:1
• Ephesians 1:7

OVERTIME

Father, thank You that I don’t have to hold under the pressure to perform. Your Word gives me the path to righteous living, and Your heart leads me deeper into living out Your Kingdom here on earth. Help me assess what I am putting into my mind, body, and heart, and who I am allowing to speak into me. I want to make room for Your rule in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.