One of the basic features of American football is the huddle. Anyone who has watched the game knows what I’m talking about. After each down the team regroups to discuss and call the next play. On the offensive side of the ball, the huddle is led by the quarterback. On the defensive side it is usually led by one of the linebackers.
The huddle is the norm. However, teams will sometimes opt for a no-huddle offense when they want to speed up the game, disrupt the defense, or score points fast. Rather than taking time to call the play in a huddle, the quarterback communicates to the team on the fly by use of signals or yelling certain words or numbers.
While the no-huddle offense may be an effective game plan on the football field, it’s a bad strategy for life. The demands of life and the schemes of the enemy are such that we cannot deal with them on our own. When tempted to go it alone, failure is inevitable. We need wisdom from above, and the help that only God can give.
Rather than attempting to live life on the fly, begin your morning with a “holy huddle.” Before rushing into the day’s activities, take time to hear from God. Begin by consulting God’s “play book.” By starting with God’s Word you allow the Holy Spirit to equip you in advance for the challenges of the day. Solomon spoke of this when he said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Along with starting the day with the Bible, remember to pray. Prayer is two-way communication with God. We not only talk to God in prayer, we hear from Him as well. In the huddle of prayer God speaks to our hearts and opens the eyes of our understanding to walk according to His plan.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking of your “holy huddle” as a once-a-day thing. As in a football game, there are multiple huddles. I encourage you to begin the day with God, spend the day with God, and end the day with God. The communication never stops. Like the blessed man of Psalm 1:2, meditate on and delight in God’s Word day and night. Like Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray without ceasing.
They talk about the “game of life.” Football is a game. Life is so much more. To avoid a crushing defeat, set aside a period of time to meet with God every day. Then practice the presence of God throughout the day. It’s a winning strategy.
Pastor Todd Weston
