34 But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;
35 For it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth.
Luke 21:34-35 AMPC
Be on guard against the cares of this world
During my sophomore and junior season at Florida State I was going through a lot of pressure and worry. A majority of the weight came from football. I had pressure on me to start at my position, school work and to please family members and friends. In the picture above, I remember holding in a lot of pressure and stress. I was focused on playing and doing my job but I was fighting against worry and depression. Since I was a kid I dreamed of playing in the National Football League. I had certain expectations that I wanted to fulfill so I could achieve my dream. God doesn't want us to be worried or weighed down or depressed. God wants us to be free from it all. Of course, there will be pressure from your job, school, or sport but God doesn't want us to let it weigh us down or be depressed.
One reason why I was going through all of that was because I put football and other cares before God. I should have been reading the Bible, praying more, and casting all of my care upon the Lord.
7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:7 AMPC
My sophomore and junior season I tried to play on my own strength and it brought a lot of anxiety and worry. Sometimes, I would play the game with an anxious mind and it affected how I played. My senior year was my best year at Florida State because I played with 100% effort but I didn't worry about starting or the other situations going on in my life. I gave it to the Lord and I had more peace. I was praying before each play and I made more plays which helped me become an All- American.
Do not worry or be depressed about school, sports, or your job. Give 100% effort and give all of your cares to God. Even if the situation looks bad, pray and give it to God. Then be thankful what you already have. Watch how God changes your situation when you allow Him to lead and you acknowledge Him in all of your ways.
Jesus did say that the world will get worse. We must keep our eyes focused on the Kingdom of Heaven.
10,000 years from now, whatever people are worrying about won't even matter!
Remember, we need to rejoice that our names are written in the Book of Life!
20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven.
Luke 10:20 AMPC