UNPACK this…For Golf FansSample

"Stay Committed"

Toward the end of the 2016 Masters, Jordan Spieth appeared to be running away with another Green Jacket. Then when his ball went swimming on the 12th hole, the tournament flipped upside down. After Spieth’s quadruple-bogey, all of a sudden the door was open for someone else to snatch a Masters’ win.

With a commanding 5-stroke lead, Spieth was close to making history before his game unraveled. After this happened, I'm sure he wrestled with the question of “what if,” feelings of failure, and the regret of collapsing under pressure.

We can all relate to hitting our ball in the water from time to time, but I think we can take to heart his response after experiencing another second-place Masters’ finish: “I learned what I learned in 2014. And it's just, 'Stay committed.’”

Spieth started the tournament with poise and confidence, and was headed towards victory. Although he had the course figured out and was dominating the field early, he began overthinking on the 12th hole and got away from his plan. I’m sure some of the thoughts running through his head were “just hang on,” “don't mess this up,” and “let me play it safe…no let me go for it.” Unfortunately this 22-year-old pro golfer ended up hitting the wrong shot and it cost him dearly.

Despite a challenging loss, Spieth handled himself extremely well on and off the course, and his words to “stay committed” are a great reminder for us. The value of commitment plays out in our own lives – in marriage, fatherhood, friendship, and in our faith. Emotions and pressure can build up, and if we aren’t careful to stay committed during those challenging moments, our most precious relationships can end up in “the water.”

We need to recognize how weak we truly are, and the only way to stay the course is relying on God for strength. The Bible says in Psalm 37:5 (ESV), “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act.”

Today let’s be challenged to commit our life to the Lord. Let’s also commit our relationships, desires, and hearts to Him. When life gets overwhelming and our head is spinning with thoughts and emotions, let’s remember to trust Him and stay committed to His way. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!