How to Be a Happy Sportsperson: Game DaySample

A positive mental attitude is one of the most critical aspects of sporting success. Negativity not only limits your capacity to succeed but also damages team morale. To be a winner, you must focus on a positive outcome to contribute to a thriving environment.

So, when Jesus says that if you want to be happy, you need to begin by being one of “those who mourn," he is advocating that you become a serial sporting loser. If you take this advice, it might seem likely you may never again be selected since who wants miserable and downbeat people in their sporting environment?

You may be relieved that the mourning Jesus refers to is not that of a miserable and negative attitude. Instead, Jesus refers to a spiritual issue that needs to be resolved long before you walk into the changing room.

In a previous study, we observed that happiness begins by being humble before God. To be a mournful person fits with this perspective. It is to be deeply sad at your bankruptcy before God that your moral attitudes and behaviours are so far below God's standards that you have no hope of avoiding his judgement. It is only through reaching this low point that true happiness is possible, and the result of mourning is to “be comforted.”

You will find massive comfort in being accepted by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God will save you from judgement, and you will live for eternity in heaven. Yet, there is more. Having been given a brand-new start with God, your whole outlook on day-to-day life in this world can change.

God made you with sporting talents. He created you to play. And he has come into your life to bring long-term joy, culminating in heaven. God is entirely committed to your short- and long-term personal development. For the rest of your life, God will use every moment to transform you, more and more, into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

So, as you get ready to compete today, remember that God will use your sport to help you grow more and more into a more beautiful, mature and ultimately happy human being. He is with you and is thoroughly committed to loving you moment by moment throughout your game day. Isn't this amazing?

Make sure you are clear on this truth of the Christian faith today. It is time for you to stop worrying and focus on being thoroughly committed to bringing a positive attitude towards your sport. Your responsibility is to have an upbeat outlook since you can play with the confidence that Jesus, in his mercy and kindness, will always be there to comfort you, whatever the outcome.

Pray for yourself

Dear Lord, Help me to rightly mourn my natural state before you. I admit I have no hope of escaping your right and proper judgement without the work of the Lord Jesus. I thank you and praise you that wonderfully because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I can pray to you now as someone with assurance and who can experience comfort. Let this wonderful truth transform how I play and live in my world of sport. In your precious name, Amen.

Pray for your friends.

Finally, take a few minutes to pray for your sports friends and colleagues - that God will open a door for his message in your club or team.