How does your locker room make you feel? Or your dugout, or the bench? These are the places you and your team gather to rest, strategize with your coach, or get a pep talk before you go back out into the game. These places are safe like fortresses. Your opponents can’t reach you here.
José and Francoise have come to rely on God as their fortress. When they need help, a safe place, a plan, or encouragement to keep going, they go to him. But how do they know God is like a fortress? Because the Psalms tell them so.
You are my mighty rock,
my fortress, my protector,
the rock where I am safe,
my shield, my powerful weapon,
and my place of shelter.
Psalm 18:2 (CEV)
The Teammates
José
Sport: Soccer
When I’m tired or hurt, I think about this verse and even make up a song with these words, and it helps me when I’m down. My faith in Jesus keeps me stable and secure. Because I know he protects and loves me, I can cheer up my teammates and create peace in chaos. I can do this for my friends and family, too. Soccer gives me the opportunity to care for someone else as one part of a team like Jesus cares for me. They’re safe with me!
Francoise
Sport: Competitive Dance
The Psalms remind me that I always have someone to depend on. Even when I make mistakes—and I make more than I would like—God is still there to help me. I used to be afraid to try different dance moves. As my faith has grown, I’ve become more confident and less afraid of failing. Now I try new things! Because God is always with me and I am safe with him, I’m always safe. I can do what he calls me to do and be who he wants me to be.
The Connection
José’s faith that God keeps him safe and secure gives him the confidence to be a peacekeeper when his teammates or family members feel insecure. Because he knows God takes care of him, he takes care of others. And sometimes, he even sings about how strong of a protector God is!
Francoise finds security in knowing that God helps her and is with her even when she makes mistakes. God’s presence makes her feel safe to try new things in her sport. You, too, can grab your gear and head to practice feeling safe and secure. If God is with you always, it’s like taking your locker room, dugout, or bench with you everywhere!
For the Players
Reflect: What do you know about God that makes you feel safe?
Share: When one of your teammates expresses fear or nervousness, say or sing to them, “God is your fortress!”
Take a moment to pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being my refuge.
You are my fortress and my protector. (Psalm 18:2)
You alone deserve all the honor and praise,
For there is no one like you. (1 Samuel 2:2)
In the middle of a competition,
At the end of a hard practice,
Or when I’m on my way home,
I will not be afraid,
Because you are with me; (Psalm 118:6)
In your presence is where I feel safe.
With you as my strength and my shield;
I can do what you have called me to do,
I can be who you have called me to be,
I can trust you with my whole heart. (Psalm 28:7)
Amen.
Press in! Take a moment to read: Psalm 46:1
Want more on this topic? Check out Isaiah 41:10 – Trust God for Strength
For Coaches and Parents
Read aloud with your team or athlete!
There are a lot of times you might need to take a rest or receive encouragement from God through reading Bible passages like the Psalms. We need places like locker rooms and fortresses because the world isn’t safe—some people are mean, sometimes bad things happen, and sometimes we mess up even though we know God.
A question for the team/athlete:
When things go poorly, what is one thing you can do to run to God and let him protect you?
(Allow a few responses from the team/athlete, then read the follow-up message.)
Follow-up:
José and Francoise give us great examples of how joyful and freeing it can be to know that God is your fortress. But it’s still ok to be afraid sometimes. Remember that God put you with people like your teammates, family, and coaches. We’re in this together!
