UNPACK this...Confusion, Worry, and UncertaintyНамуна

NBA Yay Or Nay?

People with big voices are expressing their viewpoints as to whether or not the NBA should finish the season.

Shaquille O'Neal weighed in: “I think we should scrap the season. Everybody go home, get healthy, come back next year. Just scrap the season.”

Charles Barkley said, "It's too dangerous, it's not safe, I don't know how they can make it safe.”

Mark Cuban responded, “I love those guys, but they’re wrong. I mean, guys want to play. There’s still a season to be finished out. I still think we can play a few games and then go into the playoffs, crown a champion. Let’s go. Let’s play. The country needs it too, man. We need something to cheer for. We need something to get excited about. I mean, watching cornhole on ESPN ain’t it.”

The league’s trying to figure out the best course of action and have details to iron out, but recent headlines are encouraging:

“NBA Owners, Execs Hopeful for Return After Call With Adam Silver, Sources Say.”

“NBA Getting More Optimistic About Return to Play This Season.”

Just as differing opinions and approaches to the NBA resuming are filled with optimism, positivity, and hope...or fear, worry, and negativity, the same is true with our perspectives concerning the current state of the world. 

As followers of Jesus, however, we can have optimism while still being cautious because we know God is in control. He provides peace during the struggle and ultimate victory over this broken world filled with viruses, pain, and uncertainty.

Jesus tells us in John 16:32-33, “’I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.’”

Even when we navigate through the unchartered territory of COVID-19, we still have hope because we know one day Christ will return and fully restore what’s been broken.

Today, let’s remember what we’re promised in Philippians 4:7: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing my prayers and filling me with hope and peace while living in this fallen world. Thank you for sending Jesus to the cross on my behalf. I long for His return. In His name, I pray, Amen.