My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations. (Psalm 102:11-12, ESV)
Among all the puzzling aspects of golf, the mystery of a ‘lost swing’ undoubtedly ranks high. The list of great players who have lost their swing is, to say the least, baffling.
Consider Ian Baker-Finch, who, in the middle of a distinguished career, couldn’t find a fairway if his life depended on it. Following his British Open victory in 1991, where he shot 64-66 over the final two rounds, he never won again on the PGA Tour.
Or consider the recent saga of Viktor Hovland, who frequently tinkers with his swing. We might be forgiven for thinking he may never enter the winners’ circle again. Then, unexpectedly, he captures lightning in a bottle and wins. If I had to guess, Viktor will likely experience significant seasons where his swing refuses to cooperate.
David Duval lost his mojo after winning 13 times from 1997 to 2001, including the British Open. Granted, he faced physical issues that impacted his impeccable timing. He had always been able to rely on a healthy body until he could no longer do so.
We might say, “Change is both inevitable and unavoidable.” The pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus viewed the world as being in constant flux and is well-known for capturing this idea with the phrase, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”
For him, there was nothing constant, nothing to depend upon; no wonder his life was defined mainly by melancholy.
The significant and obvious flaw in Heraclitus’ outlook on life is his denial of God’s existence. By reducing all reality to the material world, he rejects the notion of an immutable God, i.e., the God who never changes.
As we listen to Stewart Cink in today’s video, we encounter a world-class golfer discussing the importance of relying (i.e., trusting) on the one entirely dependable reality—the unchanging God.
If the physical world were all that existed, flux or constant change would be a frightening reality—nothing could be relied upon.
Behind all the give-and-take of life on a planet racing through an ever-expanding cosmos, God has revealed Himself through the prophets and, ultimately, through His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Immutable God, among His other majestic attributes.
Sounding more like a pastor-theologian than someone who once hoisted the Claret Jug, Stewart reminds us that swings may come and go, shots may be properly executed or squandered, and fortunes may be lost or won, but the one person who can be entirely trusted never to change is our Creator and Redeemer—the Triune God of the Christian faith.
In truth, besides the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “all other ground is shifting sand.” If you seek something that can never disappoint, look no further than the Christ of Scripture.
The one indisputable fact of history is that Jesus Christ died and rose again for our sins—exchanging his mortal body for an immortal one —promising to transform our mortal bodies into immortal ones at his second appearing—provided that we give our life to him before we go the way of all flesh.
If you are mentally rehearsing everything that has disappointed you throughout your life- declining health, plummeting stocks, an unfaithful spouse, rebellious children, your company’s bankruptcy, a friend’s betrayal, or a million other disappointments- please don’t make the mistake that Heraclitus made by thinking that this defines all reality.
Above and beyond all changes in time and space, there is One who eternally resides above all flux—the Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth, who would and could never let you down.
Trust him with your life!
Prayer: Father! Please help me build my life on the Immovable Rock.