Finding Peace in the Pause

In sports, we face a constant pressure to prove ourselves. Elite athletes and coaches aim to be the best at everything they pursue. For me, this desire to prove myself to those around me became the biggest motivation in my life.

I always needed to perform at a high level. I feared that one mistake would define me. I believed I had to earn my worth through achievement. Whenever I wasn’t doing something “productive,” I became restless and anxious. I constantly compared myself to others. And by the end, I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted.

After 22 years of seeking the approval of others, I realized I had been spending my energy trying to impress the wrong people. I had fallen into the trap of men. The fear of what they thought became stronger than my fear of God.

As Christians, we work with a higher calling in mind. Our motivation shouldn’t be to impress others but rather to honor and glorify God in everything we do.

When we hold on to this truth, the voices that push us to chase success over peace grow quiet. The constant pressure to prove ourselves fades away. At first, that silence can feel like a loss. For many, the demands of sports have drowned out every other voice. But God speaks to us in stillness.

God invites us to rest in Him. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Not just to heal our bodies but to renew our souls.

Rest is not weakness – it’s a weapon. It restores clarity, identity, and joy. There is peace in the pause.

Challenge:

• Spend some time quietly with God. Are you embracing rest or running from it?
• How can you establish a rhythm of stillness to help you stay grounded in your daily walk with the Lord?

Prayer:

"God, I’m learning to slow down. Help me find joy in the quiet and peace in Your presence. Teach me how to live from rest, not just for it. Amen."