Knowing and Trusting Our Great God

Psalm 63:1; Jeremiah 9:23–24; Proverbs 3:5-6; Jude 24–25
Sports Chapel

In Psalm 63, David gives us a glimpse into the heart of someone who longs—truly longs—for God.

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” — Psalm 63:1

David was in the wilderness when he wrote this. Not a metaphorical one—a real desert. And what he wanted most wasn’t food or safety. He said, “God, I want You.” That’s powerful. And that’s something every athlete, every coach, and every competitor needs to understand.

I. The Thirst of the Soul (Psalm 63:1-3)
You can be in top shape, breaking records, winning championships—and still be spiritually dehydrated.

David said, “My soul thirsts for You.” That’s the kind of desperation we should have for God. Just like an athlete craves water after a hard practice, our souls should crave His presence.

In sports, we’re trained to grind. Early morning workouts. Long hours in the weight room. But what about rising early to seek God?

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” — Psalm 42:1

David longed not just for relief, but for relationship. And if that’s not the heartbeat of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, what is? FCA isn’t about just adding a little Jesus to our pregame huddle. It’s about pursuing Him—because He’s better than life (Psalm 63:3).

Do you thirst for God? Do you seek and desire to give God Glory from your workout, practice, and game? 

II. What Do You Glory In? (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me.” — Jeremiah 9:23–24

Athletes love stats. We wear medals, hang banners, post highlights. But God says: Don’t boast in your strength—boast that you know Me.

You might be the strongest on the field. The smartest in the playbook. The wealthiest on campus. But that’s not what impresses God. What matters is whether you know Him.

Paul echoed this in Philippians 3:8: “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”

You see, trophies gather dust. Titles fade. But knowing Jesus--that lasts forever.

What are you willing to sacrifice to ensure God gets the Glory in your performance or competition?

III. Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5–6)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

This verse is one many of us know... It's my favorite verse; but few of us live. Especially in sports, we’re taught to control what we can: diet, schedule, training, performance. But what happens when your body fails? When the injury comes? When the scholarship falls through?

You’ve got to decide: Will I lean on my understanding—or trust in God?

Job couldn’t make sense of his suffering. Yet by the end, he said: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.” — Job 42:5

That’s what trust produces: a deeper vision of who God is. He may not always explain your pain, but He always reveals His presence.

So, when the benching comes, or the injury sidelines you—remember, God is not just a Coach calling plays. He’s your Father. Trust Him with your whole heart.

IV. The God Who Keeps Us (Jude 24–25)
And now the closing promise: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty…” — Jude 24–25

This is the security we stand on. The God who saved you won’t let go of you. He’s not just watching from the sidelines—He’s in the game, keeping you steady, transforming you, and one day presenting you faultless.

Jesus said: “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” — John 18:9

You may lose games. You may even lose everything this world calls success. But if you are in Christ—you will never be lost.

Now maybe you’re listening to all this and you’re thinking, I don’t know if I know God like that. Friend, you can. Jesus said: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” — John 17:3

It starts by recognizing your need. We’ve all sinned. But Jesus came—He lived the perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again so that through Him, we can know God.

So don’t trust in your performance—trust in His. Don’t boast in your ability—boast in His grace. Come to Jesus.

I know a player who lost everything in a career-ending injury. His identity, success, and future were tied to the game. But when he surrendered to Christ, he found something greater. Now he says, “I lost the game, but I found God.” And he wouldn’t trade it back.

Athletes, let’s be people who don’t just play hard—but who seek hard. Let’s rise early—not just for weights—but for the Word. Let’s hunger and thirst—not just for victory—but for the presence of God.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, You are our God. Early will we seek You. Our souls are thirsty—not for applause, not for wins, but for You. Teach us to trust You with all our hearts, to boast only in knowing You, and to glorify You whether we win or lose. Thank You that in Christ, we are never lost. Keep us from stumbling. Present us faultless. And help us walk humbly, boldly, and faithfully with You every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
​
Let this live in the locker room. Let it echo on the field. To know Him is our greatest win.

By Shan Smith
​Heart of the Bible Series

---