UNPACK this...Confusion, Worry, and UncertaintyНамуна

Now What?

I’m a huge sports fan who leads a ministry for sports fans and sports are a significant part of my life. They aren’t the most important but watching, writing, and talking about sports is what I do!

So knowing the alarming impact the Coronavirus is having on our world (including sports), I confess to having moments of uncertainty, disappointment, and bewilderment about what comes next.

Although I understand the importance of wisdom, compassion, and protection during this time of preventing the disease from spreading, it’s hard not to think about sports being so dramatically affected.

We didn’t get to enjoy the NCAA Tournament in March (my favorite sports month of the year)…the Masters was postponed until November…no NBA games have been played…Major League Baseball has delayed its season…and college football is up in the air. 

Although feeling sad as a sports fan seems insignificant compared to the larger scope of a deadly disease, it doesn’t mean we aren’t bummed about missing all of these sporting events.

So how do we respond to our disappointment and how do we get through this challenging time? 

We can't do it on our own, so we must remember that our strength comes from God who provides the hope and comfort we desperately need. He replaces the feelings of despair with peace. 

The Bible gives us this encouraging assurance: 

“The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).

The realization that we aren’t experiencing the same kind of sports excitement this year doesn’t have to steal our true joy. We can continue to rejoice and remain thankful for everything we have in Christ who is good, faithful, powerful, and worthy to be praised. 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know this world is filled with pain, disease, and brokenness, but You’re my joy and hope in the midst of it all. Please give me peace and comfort as I trust You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.