Athlete, Start Your Day The Best Way

PLAYBOOK DEVOTIONAL

Athlete, Start Your Day The Best Way

Bryce Johnson

Psalm 119:147 (ESV)

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in Your words.

Imagine this for a moment. A quarterback doesn’t practice all week, doesn’t watch any game film, doesn’t communicate with his head coach during the week, avoids his teammates and misses the pregame locker room speech with the final charge from the coach.

Then he still goes out and plays in the game. How would he do? 

He’d be out of sync with his wide receivers, wouldn’t have the proper preparation, wouldn’t fully understand what the coach is trying to tell him and wouldn’t be equipped to handle the blitzes that are sure to come his way. This would lead to sacks … turnovers … miscues … disappointment … anxiety … frustration … pressure … and confusion.

In many ways, this sounds outrageous, but I find there is a parallel to our own lives when it comes to spending quality time with God.

I know personally, that when I don’t get quiet with the Lord, pray, read, meditate and praise Him before I start my day, I’m not at my best. I’m more likely to be frustrated, anxious and easily disappointed. 

When we enter the day in our own strength, we’re more out of sync with the people around us, have more confusion about what to do and are not as well-equipped to handle the “blitzes” that come our way.

That’s why we need to follow the example of the Psalmist who writes, “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in Your words” (Psalm 119:147). And also in Psalm 119:11, “I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

Every morning, it’s critical that we prepare our hearts and minds for the day, soak in God’s Word, receive our “pregame charge” from Him, and communicate through prayer. We want to understand what He’s trying to tell us and gain His strength before “heading out onto the field.”

In 1 Peter 1:13, we are encouraged with these words, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the coming of Jesus Christ.”

Today, let’s stop making excuses for missing out on the most important aspect of our day. Let’s prioritize being alone with God so we can be fully prepared and equipped with His Word and power to go out and do what He’s calling us to do.

Reflect:
1. What does quality time with God look like in your life?
2. What prevents you from starting your day by spending quality time with God?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, please help me figure out how to prioritize the time I spend with You in prayer and reading Your Word. I know I need Your strength and power to get me through the day and all that I encounter. I don’t want to try and do it on my own. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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