“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
I’m often asked by golf newbies for advice on the game. My answer? When in trouble, get out of trouble. That’s my number one rule in golf. An improved swing may help you hit the ball better, but to me, the way to lower your scores is by saving strokes.
My second rule eliminates your need for a pin sheet. Aim for the middle of the green. Even if your execution leaves something to be desired, you should still have a putter in your hand, and you won’t need to reference the first rule.
Unfortunately, I only adopted these rules through experience, and I could have saved a lot of time and heartache (and money!) if someone would have mentored me early in my golf journey.
I’ve also accumulated some steps on my faith walk, so I get inquiries from those fresh on the path about how to lower one’s spiritual index.
I can’t tell you how many times I read a verse of Scripture in the morning and it becomes applicable to my or another’s life that day.I have a laundry list of advice around cleaning up your inputs: Go to church. Surround yourself with believers. Pray. Spend quiet time with God. Find a mentor. Fill your car’s airwaves with worship music and spiritual podcasts.
But my number one rule? Get in the Word. It is life’s yardage book. I’ll be working my way through the Bible for the sixth time this year, and I continue to learn with each reading. (May I suggest the Life Application Study Bible while I’m at it?)
I can’t tell you how many times I read a verse of Scripture in the morning and it becomes applicable to my or another’s life that day.
In conflict with someone? Jesus says to check the mirror and “take the plank out of your own eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).
Worried? Jesus would ask if that will “add a single hour to your life” (Matthew 6:27).
And what parent doesn’t want to show their kid Ephesians 6:1-3, which says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Mind you, reading the Bible doesn’t mean you’ll now be hitting fairways and greens in life. But it will give you peace while navigating the sand traps and water hazards of your journey.
As today’s verse educates, you will have trouble. But Jesus says “learn from me” and “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30).
I try to start every day with a dose of scripture. On the days I do, I feel better equipped to handle any trouble that comes my way. And that’s a good feeling both on and off the course.
—
Drew Hamilton
January 28, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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