Eternal Joy

Solid Foundation

Competition often brings happy feelings. It is a great feeling to win a hard fought game! Think of an exciting moment in your sport that left you feeling happy. Now, think about how you felt about that moment two days later. A month later? A year later? Thinking about that moment likely still brings positive feelings. But the further removed we are from that event, the more the joy fades.

One season, my team won a semi-final match in front of a sold-out crowd in unforgettable fashion. We were down one goal, and we scored on the very last play of the game to tie it up! We then won in penalty kicks. I thought the happiness from that moment would last my entire lifetime. Then, the next week, we lost in the championship. That high of winning quickly faded into disappointment at losing a week later.

The life of an athlete is unpredictable, and we face highs and lows. If our joy depends on circumstances, setbacks can easily discourage us. In His goodness, God offers us a better way. He offers us joy that doesn’t depend on wins or losses but on Him alone.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul compares our walk with God to that of an athlete competing. He says that athletes train hard for a temporary prize, but we pursue an eternal reward.

Paul tells us here that our “crowns”--our trophies, medals, or number of wins will not last. But the prize from placing our faith in Jesus–the prize of eternal life with him–that crown will last forever.

Psalm 16:11 says, “But in His presence there is fullness of joy.” God makes a beautiful promise to us in this Psalm. That promise is the fullness of joy in His presence. Fullness means God gives a joy that is completely satisfying and will not fade. With Him, our hearts stay joyful forever!

This doesn’t mean we can’t be sad or disappointed. It simply means we build the source of joy on a secure foundation. Even though our loss that season disappointed me, I still carried joy in my heart. Why? Because I store my treasure in heaven. I cling to a joy no one can take away. I find my joy in the presence of my Savior. Not in wins, not in achievements, not in looking good in front of the fans, but in Jesus alone!

Application questions:

• What is a verse or quote that can keep you focused on an eternal perspective rather than an earthly perspective?
• How can eternal joy bring freedom for you to compete at your best?

Prayer:

God, we thank you that you offer us a different type of joy, a joy that does not fade. We ask that You help us keep our eyes focused on your joy, and not just on our success. Help us train our faith for the eternal prize of life with you. Amen.

Summary

The biblical story of Joseph has applications to the life of an athlete.

Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, had dreams of greatness and leadership as a young man. But his journey had hardships and setbacks. It is like an athlete's injuries or failures. He experienced bad calls and injustice. Despite the trials, Joseph trusted God, maintained his integrity, and continued to persevere.

Over time, Joseph’s faith and perseverance saw a reward. He rose to power and ultimately saved his family and many others from famine. Joseph understood that God was working, even when the path seemed unclear. Through it all, he gave glory to God.

Our prayer is that before, during and after your competition, you will have a similar perspective. Keep God's word in front of you and focus your eyes on Him!

Next Steps

Athletes in Action has other plans dealing with sports. You can use those plans to also equip you for competition. You can find those plans on the AIA Connection page in the Bible App. Click the "Follow" button to receive notifications of new content.

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You may also want to consider a more personalized journey from our publisher page. We have many other ideas and other Bible App plans to help you spiritually as an athlete. Please come by to say hello.