Sports are high-energy, loud, and intense. The opposite of restful. That’s why rest days are so important—your muscles need time to mend, your heart rate needs to come down, and your mind needs a break from being strategic and alert. You need a place to let your guard down.

But did you know that true rest, the kind that comes from trusting in God, doesn’t have to wait for rest days? Throughout the Bible, God tells his people to set aside days or hours to rest—God rested after creation, and Jesus took naps! But Adele and Abdullah have found that resting in God can happen when they trust him to take care of them.

You, LORD, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.
Psalm 23:1–3a (CEV)

The Teammates

Adele
Sport: Frisbee

Sometimes I worry, especially when things are difficult. I have doubts that I’m good at my sport, that I’ll ever get better, or that my teammates value me. The first part of Psalm 23 reminds me that God is with me and I’m not alone. These words help me let go of some of my fears, trust him, and move forward with greater peace and confidence. Knowing Jesus reminds me to be patient, humble, honest, and respectful. This means I must stay calm and fair, which the Holy Spirit helps me to do when I let go of my worries and lean on him.

Abdullah
Sport: Football (Soccer)

I had only been following Jesus for six months, and already I was learning about the peace that comes from trusting him. We were playing in the final match to determine the champion, and we were losing 0–1. Our coach had taught us to trust God for peace when something looked bad. So I asked the Lord for his peace. Together with another teammate, we scored two goals and won the match 2–1! I thank God because that day he showed me that he heard my prayer. He gave me peace in a difficult moment, and it allowed our team to win. I’m thankful that my heart can be quiet and at peace when I’m awake or asleep. God is helping me understand that I can rest well when I trust him.

The Connection

When the adrenaline in your body increases your fear, take a deep breath. God is your shepherd—that means that he takes care of you at all times. You have everything you need! When your mind replays that one bad move and keeps you from falling asleep, ask God for the peace you need. Picture him leading you through soft grass next to a stream.

Adele leans on the Holy Spirit to remain calm, and Abdullah thanks God for giving him peace. Today, you can practice trusting God and thanking him for all the incredible things he has done. Let go of what’s keeping you from resting. He can take care of it. He can take care of you!

For the Players

Reflect: Close your eyes and picture the most peaceful place you can imagine, somewhere perfect for a nap. Ask God to bring this place to mind when you are having a hard time resting.

Share: Talk to a friend, teammate, sibling, or parent and plan a restful day together! Start your day by reading Psalm 23 and end your day by praising God for taking care of you.

Take a moment to pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of rest;
For providing everything I could ever need. (Psalm 23:1)
As I dwell in your peace and presence,
I ask that you quiet my heart and mind.
Bring me to rest in fields of green grass;
Lead me to streams of peaceful water;
Restore my soul, once again. (Psalm 23:2–3)
Even when I am filled with worry and doubt,
This I know: you are always with me;
You will not leave me or forsake me. (Joshua 1:5)
Give me the strength to surrender and let go
Of all my fears,
Of all my anxieties,
Of all that keeps me from trusting you completely.
Help me surrender my heavy burdens
And trade them for true rest,
Rest that is found only in you. (Matthew 11:28–29)

Amen.

Press in! Take a moment to read: Psalm 4:8

Want more on this topic? Check out Psalm 27:1 – Trade Fear for Freedom

For Coaches and Parents

Read aloud with your team or athlete!

We can get so caught up in the next thing we have to do that we forget to stop and be honest about what’s worrying us. These things can build up over time and make it harder for our minds and bodies to rest.

A question for the team/athlete:

What’s a fear or worry you have right now that’s keeping you from resting?

(Allow a few responses from the team/athlete, then read the follow-up message.)

Follow-up:

When we slow down to think about what’s worrying us, we can ask someone to help us with it, and we can give it to God. Let’s remember to help each other find rest!