A Psalm for those hurting after England's World Cup loss, or for anyone feeling pain in their sport.

O Lord, why?

Why did you allow us to get so far, and then take away my dream?

They say ‘it’s only a game’ but I feel the weight of all those 56 years of hurt.

I feel ashamed, like I’ve let everyone down.

My family and friends.
My team and my nation.
And my feed feeds this feeling of failure.

O Lord, why?

Was it because of something I did? Or didn’t do?
Did I not train hard enough? Eat well enough?
Is it because you love other people more than me?
Lord, answer me!

Father, I know those are lies.
So now I say to myself:

“I trust in your unfailing love;
My heart rejoices in your salvation.”

#Blessed isn’t just for after a victory
#Godsplan is not just for when we win.

We’re going home but I know you are still at work to make me more like Jesus and to bring me to my heavenly home.
And you’ll still use sport; and its joy and pain, to make me more like Jesus whilst I wait.

My pain is not comparable to your love.
My value is not defined by how I played.

My identity is not found in the badge on my chest, but in the Spirit in my heart.

“I trust in your unfailing love;
My heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for He has been good to me.”

Psalm 13:5-6