New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris got a serious illness while breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961. During the season’s final weeks, as he closed in on the record, his hair began to fall out in small clumps. The doctor reassured him that the hair loss was caused by the stress wearing him down.

Maris’ anxiety came from the fans who didn’t want him to break Ruth’s record. Yankee fans were cheering for his teammate Mickey Mantle to break the record before falling behind due to an injury. He was also uncomfortable with so much media attention.

Philippians 4 – The Best Anxiety Medicine

Anxiety, pressure, and fear of failure are things that all athletes and coaches experience. Sports can be a culture obsessed with awards and accolades, making it nearly impossible to feel any sense of contentment. Paul knew something about feeling anxiety and advised the Philippians on how to handle it in chapter 4. He includes the most helpful passage on contentment in all the Scriptures. This contentment is the essence of joyful living in a stressful world; Paul commands us not to worry in Philippians 4:6. Do not be anxious about “anything.” Your sport would be included in the word “anything.” Here are three practical steps to overcome anxiety and restore peace in your heart (4:6-7).

First, rejoice by cultivating a good sense of humor and not taking yourself too seriously. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Second, relax by not letting every stressful circumstance ruin your peace with God. Finally, rest your mind so you’re not always in a state of anxiety. When you rejoice, relax, and rest, you will start to know God’s peace.

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete rejoice, relax, and rest in the Lord rather than in their circumstances. Joy is a constant way of life for them; it is the fruit and evidence of a relationship with God. They know what the Lord has done in the past, what He is doing now, and what He will do in the future.

Bible Memory Verse – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (LSB)