On the Rebound

Today at a tennis clinic I did a drill which was focused on coming back to center baseline and getting in the ready position. To do so is called “rebounding.” Balls were coming fast and furiously, and I would need to stretch to get a shot then quickly get back to center. The faster I got there, the more prepared I was for the next shot. But, I would often misstep. And rather than just quickly get back to center, I would be bummed about my missed shot because of my screw up.  Sometimes, if I didn’t get back to center quickly, or rebound, I would be off balance when attempting to take the next shot.

 
This is a great picture of the life of a believer.

 
Jesus told us in John 16:33 that life wouldn't be easy.  God's Word is clear that we will be pressed, crushed, persecuted, struck down, and just plain exposed to struggles of all kinds (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, James 1:2).  Shots will just keep coming.  To handle this onslaught, we need to constantly rebound, to get right back to the center, the core of who God is and who we are. If we don't, we'll be off-balance for the next shot.  Our lives consist of having shots come at us left and right.  However we meet them, whether really well or terribly, we must immediately get back to the core, the center, and in that balanced ready position.  That center baseline position is the secure foundation we have because of Christ.  It is essentially the comfort of who God is, who we are in Christ, and what He’s up to.  If we don’t refocus ourselves to those truths as fast as possible, we won’t be in the right posture to handle the next shot.  Especially when we are disappointed or regretful about a misstep, missed opportunity, or mistake, even then we cannot dwell on it. As quickly as possible, we must charge back to center and get squared up. It's following Paul's admonition to "forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead"  (Philippians 3:13).  If we don’t, then very quickly one mistake leads to more.  In my opinion, maturity in the Christian life boils down to our ability to return to these central realities.   

What has thrown you off balance lately?  Is there a curve ball that has come your way in the face of rejection, betrayal, a financial hit, health crisis, marital upset or unexpected job change?  Perhaps it was as small as being left out of a social gathering.  Maybe it's as big as your child's illness.  Whatever the case, you must get quickly return to center.  Any alternative but believing that God is good all the time, that He is sovereign, that His ways are not our ways will leave us insecure, questioning, and discouraged.  The center baseline point of our lives is that God's character is altogether loving and His lavish love for us is unconditional (1 John 3:1, 4:8).  He rises to show us compassion and longs to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:15). 

From what do you need to rebound and recenter today?

Comments

[toni]

i'm so glad you posted again. this is something i very much needed to read and be reminded of. thank you doesn't quite express my gratitude, but thank you all the same.

[Krysty]

Great analogy...and b/c I'm not a great tennis player, I can visualize the stumbling at any cost to get back to the center and re-focus on Jesus and His place. For some reason, it's so hard to "get" sometimes, but hopefully the visual will work! Thanks girl!

[Marla Taviano]

Loved getting to know you guys better tonight. Thanks SO much for the amazing food and wonderful fellowship!

Ohayo gozaimasu! Er, konnichiwa! Uh, sayonara?!

[David Ecrement]

Tam-

Wonderful analogy. (I'm out of breath thinking about it!) But I'd rather be a little winded and ready for the next shot--relying on God's strength at center baseline--vs. running around the court like a maniac (doing everything in my own strength.) OK, now I just need to practice more...