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The Power of Joy

READY:

During His ministry on earth, there’s no question that Jesus worked hard. He walked from town to town on foot and spent hours teaching the masses and healing the sick. But Jesus understood better than anyone that joy was the emotion that most needed to be enhanced—especially in the lives of His team members.

That’s why Jesus took time to spend alone with the disciples. They got away from the crowds and relaxed in people’s homes, at their campsites and out on the sea in their boat. Jesus demonstrated that it was good to rejoice and have fun. He did this by publicly entertaining the children who were drawn to Him (Matt. 19:13-15). He also did it by outwardly expressing joy when others received a revelation from God (Luke 10:21). 

Jesus also wants us to experience joy in our journey. That is equally true for coaches and their athletes. Again, this doesn’t mean we are to do away with hard work and effort. It also doesn’t mean we will never experience negative emotions like pain and hurt.

But joy is deeper than that. Joy is something that comes out of our inner being. It’s something that can overcome even the darkest moments in our lives. As the prophet Nehemiah wrote, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). 

Joy can motivate us even in those times when the external reasons to keep going seem to have disappeared. When you love what you do, you will discover unshakable joy. Jesus described that kind of joy as being complete. Joy, in the perfect sense, is wrapped around the concept of love. Joy always produces great attitude and effort, whereas the performance-driven mindset creates burnout and complacency.

Jesus knew that His team would face great difficulties in the near future. They would do great things in His name, but they would ultimately face great persecution because of their faith in God. Hebrews 12:2 captures the power of joy in the lives of those who choose to embrace it:“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

The same is true for coaches who embark on a life-changing journey as followers of Christ. When we truly love Him and love our players, we will joyfully walk out our faith no matter what challenges might come our way. Remember, when joy is present, your athletes will gladly endure vigorous training regimens and countless hours of work. 

Joy can change you, your players and your team. A 3D Coach understands the power of joy!

SET:

1.  How do you think Jesus brought joy into the journey for His teammates?

2.  What are intentional ways that you bring the joy factor into your team culture?

3.  Are you experiencing the joy of the Lord when you coach? Why or why not?

GO:

“Dear Father God, I long to experience the joy of the Lord when I coach. Reveal to me ways to restore the joy. Help me to create an atmosphere of joy for my players. In Jesus’ name, amen."