The saying “practice makes perfect” rings true in many areas of life. It takes practice to become a world-class musician, a master mathematician, a skilled plumber, or a safe driver. In the sports world, practice is essential. Learning fundamental skills and all the right plays takes repetition. However, there is one aspect of practice that often gets overlooked, and that’s mental practice.
I coached my daughter’s softball team for several years. We worked on the basics of throwing, catching, baserunning, and hitting. In college, I had learned the importance of mental practice. Mentally visualizing a specific skill, even while in bed at night, benefits performance. So naturally, every time a batter stepped into the batter’s box, I reminded my girls to picture in their minds what they would do if the ball came to them. Seeing themselves make the play in their minds meant they were better prepared to execute the right play.
Mental practice during a sporting event may enhance a team’s chance of winning, but it is crucial in securing a win over our spiritual adversary. Our minds are Satan’s favorite places to throw curve balls. He hurls accusations, insults, lies, insecurities, and unpleasant memories our way, hoping we will strike out. Which one of his “stinky-cheese” pitches do you need to crush right now?
Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Instead of reacting to Satan’s nasty pitches, our minds must become proactive by letting Jesus pinch hit for us. As we watch Satan stare us down from the pitcher’s mound, we call on the name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9), and begin to chant, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” In our minds, we watch Jesus step up to the plate in our place, and we continue to chant, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Knowing that at the mention of His name every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10), we visualize Satan falling to his knees, knowing that Jesus can and will take captive every pitch he throws (2 Corinthians 10:5). Satan loses. We win! With a smile on His face, Jesus allows us to take the victory lap. It becomes easier now to imagine everything right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy taking Satan’s place on the mound. THESE are the things we can finally think on! (Philippians 4:8)
So, that thought you need to crush right now? Hand over the bat, and whisper, “Jesus.”
When fear falls … Jesus!
When loneliness lingers … Jesus!
When temptation tantalizes … Jesus!
When hurt happens … Jesus!
When security suffers … Jesus!
When lies land … Jesus!
Every time a negative thought steps up to the plate in your mind, whisper the name of Jesus, hand over the bat, and watch it return to Satan’s dugout. It takes practice, but humbly allowing Jesus to do what He does best is always a win. “Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7b)
