UNPACK this...From Slump to RestartSample

Overcoming The Yips

Battling the “yips” is a phenomenon sometimes experienced in sports. Although hard to explain and difficult for athletes to confess to, it comes down to battles of the mind (overthinking, anxiety, and losing confidence) that affect how the body physically responds.

Many athletes aren’t able to overcome this, but sometimes a break from playing and gaining a new perspective is what’s needed most.

As followers of Jesus, we can have the “yips” when it comes to our faith journeys. We hit difficult seasons spiritually and our minds become filled with doubt, confusion, and questioning.

When this happens, we wonder what’s wrong with us. We can find ourselves in a slump, out of rhythm, and that our relationship with God isn’t the same as it once was.

These “yips” may take over because we’re overthinking and trying to control everything instead of living with the freedom and peace that comes from letting go and allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in us and through us.

Of course, we want to live godly lives, but we can’t get so caught up in trying to do everything perfectly and in our own strength.

Too often we put undue pressure and burdens on ourselves or we force things to happen. Instead, we must rest in God’s grace and lean on Jesus to carry our burdens.

Jesus provides us this invitation, “…Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Today, let’s accept Jesus’ offer so we can overcome the “spiritual yips,” and carry a lighter load that refreshes, restores, and brings growth to our lifelong faith journeys.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior. I pray I’d rest in His finished work on the cross instead of overthinking or trying so hard in my own strength. I desire to live with the ease and freedom He provides, even when life is challenging. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.