Thriving as a Student-Athlete

Thriving as a Student-Athlete


Studies show that student-athletes tend to thrive in life after graduating at a high rate than non-athletes, which can make sense for many reasons. All collegiate athletes were highly successful high school students, often high achievers and producers both in the classroom and in competition. However, recent studies show a marked increase in the percentage of both male and female athletes who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other evidence that something is just not right.

Why would you think that being a student-athlete might set you up to thrive over the course of your lifetime?



List some possible sources of stress for a collegiate student-athlete:



These stressors, along with others are REAL. But simply learning to hang in there until graduation is not your only option!

Let’s look at a few Bible passages that describe God’s desire for our lives:


John 10:10 (New Living Translation) says this:

The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.


Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God.

But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.

They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.


Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Come to Me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.




How does God describe what kind of life He wants us to experience?




What is the common denominator to experiencing that kind of life?




What is one thing you can do this week to move towards a life you could describe as thriving?

We Were Made to Worship

In Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, he talks about the fact that we are made for God’s purposes:

• We were planned for God’s pleasure
• We were formed for God’s family
• We were created to become like Christ
• We were shaped for serving God
• We were made for a mission

“It’s not about you.”  This is how Warren starts his book.  What do you think he means?

If life is not supposed to be centered on me, maybe, just maybe, it’s supposed to be lived focused on God.  What do these pictures in the New Testament tell us about worship?

• Luke 2:5-20
• Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11
• Matthew 27:50-54
• Revelation 5:11-14

When you hear the term “worship,” what comes to mind?  How would you define “worship” to a friend who wonders what that is?

So what IS worship?  Worship is _______________________

In the 1828 edition of Webster’s Dictionary, it is defined like this:

“Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.”

Consider WHY we worship:

Consider HOW we can worship:

How will YOU worship this week?