UNPACK This...Finding Lasting JoySample

Bryson DeChambeau Had Fun

On the Monday before the 2024 U.S. Open, ESPN.com published an article by Paolo Uggetti with this quote of Bryson DeChambeau: "I'll try to do my best to show the crowd some fun drives and some hopefully long-made putts."

Uggetti went on to write, "On Monday, after watching a bunker shot land on the sixth green and then roll off all the way back into the bunker where he stood, DeChambeau sighed, shrugged, and laughed. 'It's going to be fun,' he said sarcastically, before adding, 'Seriously, the person who has the most fun with it is going to do well this week.'"

Those words proved to be true, as DeChambeau ended up winning the tournament after having fun throughout four grueling rounds.

Let's face it: when athletes become professionals, they can easily forget that playing a sport is supposed to be fun. Unfortunately, it becomes so intense that the pressure results in fear and worry instead of enjoyment.

When it comes to our own lives, are we having as much fun as we can, or are we so bogged down by pressures that we have a tough time enjoying anything?

By surrendering our lives to Jesus, we experience true freedom and joy. As a byproduct of the victory found in Him, we should have some genuine fun, without sinning.

Jesus says in John 10:10 (AMP), "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance."

Indeed, there are many elements of life to take seriously, but we must not forget that it's a fun and exciting adventure of following Jesus.

Proverbs 17:22 (AMP) tells us, "A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

Today, as we reflect on how Bryson DeChambeau had fun on the course while winning the U.S. Open, let's be encouraged that life can be fun with the right approach.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me not to be consumed with worry, stress, and fear but to cling to Christ and the freedom, joy, and peace I have in Him. I pray that You'll help me enjoy life and rely on You to get me through the challenges I face. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.