For athletes, few things in competition are more challenging than trying to mount a serious comeback when you have fallen behind and the momentum seems to be going against you. 

When things get tough and your back is against the wall, it is a valuable resource to have a steady presence on your side who can keep you from panicking or becoming overly worried.

In particular, having a leader who is demonstrating poise and who seems to be unaffected by the negative circumstances can truly go a long way in helping the athlete to remain calm when staring down adversity. 

The calming influence that leaders can have on athletes draws my attention to the fact that, as followers of Jesus, we can be encouraged to remain calm in difficult circumstances when we recognize our God is never worried about anything.

The Bible consistently and repeatedly testifies our God is sovereign over everything in our lives. Nothing in the universe takes place apart from His providential care and guidance.

Psalm 135:6 (NIV) says, “The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.”

Since God is completely in control of everything that takes place, it’s not surprising He never loses His composure or gets anxious about how things “might turn out.” There’s no reason for God to fear being outsmarted or overpowered by anyone else because He alone is all-wise and all-powerful.

God’s lack of worry in what we consider troubling times is perhaps best shown in Psalm 2. The chapter describes a worldwide rebellion against God in Psalm 2:1-2 (ESV): “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed…”

Yet, God’s response to the “threat” of every leader from every nation rising in an attempt to thwart God’s purposes is explained like this in Psalm 2:4 (ESV): “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.”

The Lord literally laughs at those who would attempt to oppose Him. He’s not concerned because He knows that no one and no thing can keep Him from doing all that He pleases.

Such knowledge of God’s complete sovereignty and control should lead us to experience tremendous peace and quietness of soul as we trust in Him.

As Charles Spurgeon once famously stated, “The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the child of God rests his head at night.”

So today, let’s be intentional to remember that our God reigns supreme over all. And since He’s not worried about what will occur, we don’t need to worry either.

Reflect: What are some things in your life that tend to cause you to feel anxiety or worry? How can focusing on God’s complete sovereignty help you to remain calm when facing those circumstances?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereignty over everything in my life. Please help me to trust that You are in control and to know I have no reason to worry since You are working all things according to the counsel of Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Matt Osborne is part of UNPACKIN’ it Ministries and the UNPACKIN’ it Podcast. Go to: unpackinit.com.