Learning from the Olympics: don't be afraid to have fun

One of my favourite things to do during the Olympics is to watch brands put out inspiring adverts, and sell to us during the games.

Most offer copy-and-paste commercials about how hard it is to make it to the highest stage, but American broadcaster NBC's Olympic advert differs. Its tagline is: 'A little bit of joy goes a long way.'

A key part of sports psychology, as well as the support offered to Christian athletes, is helping them remember why they compete and the joy of their sport, in the midst of the pressure they will inevitably face both internally and externally to perform. 

God delighted in making the world and, as those made in His image, we are wired to reflect His delight in and enjoyment of the world. Sport is just one of those ways in which we can delight in our bodies and our world. We love sport, we love watching the Olympics, because God wired us that way.

Psalm 19:4-5 compares the feeling of a victorious athlete with a bridegroom on his honeymoon - experiencing total satisfaction both emotionally and physically:

'In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.'

The Bible could not offer much higher praise for the joy to be found in sport than that!

As we watch people from every nation and tongue run fast, jump high and throw far this summer, and as we ourselves get out and run or swim or do whatever we love to do, there are countless opportunities to experience again the joy that comes from doing something God designed every sportsperson and fan to love. And then as we experience that joy, we can share it with others. 

In the film Chariots of Fire, the 1924 Olympian Eric Liddell says: 'I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.'

Olympic Chaplain, Dr Ashley Null has this as one of his key pastoral questions he asks athletes before a competition - 'Where are you finding joy today in your sport?'

For Olympians, experiencing this joy this summer will help them in the ups and especially in the downs over the next few weeks. 

A little bit of joy goes a long way.