UNPACK This...Staying Calm, Cool, and CollectedSample

Composure During A Crazy Game

One of the craziest NCAA Tournament games in recent memory took place in 2022, with eight-seeded UNC upsetting one-seed Baylor 93-86 in overtime.

Trailing by 25 points in the second half, Baylor went on a 38-13 run to send the game to overtime. Though the momentum seemed to be with the Bears, UNC responded with composure, outscoring Baylor 13-6 in overtime.

In his postgame analysis, Wally Szczerbiak said, “No matter what the score is on the scoreboard you better keep your composure because the game can flip quickly.”

When it comes to our own lives, how do we respond to pressure-packed situations?

Thankfully, as followers of Jesus, we can trust in Him because He’s with us, is in control, and is calm in the midst of any storm. He’s powerful enough to remove the storm and gives us the peace we need to get through it.

The Bible describes a remarkable scene found in Mark 4:35-40: “As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).

"But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?’

“When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then He asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’”

Many of us today might be feeling good about life, while others are dealing with difficulties. Regardless of our present circumstances, let’s resolve to always keep our composure. Knowing that Jesus is in our boat and can flip circumstances around quickly, we don’t have to panic when our faith is in Him.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I would rely on Your peace during the storm. Help me keep my composure as the storms arise, and stay calm as I place my faith in Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.