Choosing a Verse

I could talk for days (as I'm sure many coaches could) about the mental aspect of sports. What do we do with our minds in good times and bad? And, most importantly, what do we do spiritually and how do the relate?

When I was playing in college, it was a time when I was growing leaps and bounds spiritually. I wanted God's will for my life and I wanted all areas of my life surrendered to Him. It was hard to surrender volleyball because I thought I had some sort of control. Well, after a serious of events (another story for another time), I really began to understand that I had no control and what it looked like to play with freedom. I played better because I didn't care what anyone else thought. During that time, I chose a verse to remember while I was playing to keep my focused on playing for the Lord and not for anyone else. Every time I would go back to serve (or go in and out of the game or other times) I would say this verse to myself.

1 Chronicles 16:11 "Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His face always."

So, while I have been coaching for the Royals, I have girls memorize a verse every year to give them a focal point during the matches. And I don't let them keep the same verse each year. It has been really cool to hear all the verses that they choose. (Many choose Philippians 4:13 too...look it up if you don't know what it is.)

The last 2-3 years, I feel like I have been even more intentional in reminding the girls of their verses. Often during time outs and in between sets, I will ask one of the girls to say their verses. Or I will tell them to do a verse check.

Our minds are can make or break us in sports and in life. If we want to think something different than what we are thinking (i.e. not dwelling on mistakes) then we have to replace what we are thinking with someone else. Replace what you are thinking with scripture and our minds are where they need to be.

#coachforhisglory