The Roller Coaster of Emotion

Overall, the 2026 regular season is one Austin Riley would presumably want to forget.

Riley, the Atlanta Braves' starting third baseman, posted career-worst numbers in several key categories, including batting average (.219), strikeouts (201), and slugging percentage (.364).

But none of those statistical disappointments mattered in the eighth inning of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the rival Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday afternoon.

With the Braves trailing 3-2 and runners on first and second with two outs, Riley drilled a 100-mph fastball from Jhoan Duran over the fence in right field, giving the Braves a 5-3 lead, which they held to take a 1-0 series lead.

It was undoubtedly a special moment for a player who has spent most of this campaign trying to turn things around at the plate. 

But for his manager, Walt Weiss, it was not surprising to see Riley step up and perform when the game was on the line.

Weiss told reporters, “You couldn't tell this year if he was the leading MVP candidate or if he was struggling; I mean that. He was the same guy every day. Stuff like this doesn't happen if you ride that roller coaster of emotion as a player.”

Regardless of how he performed this season, Riley stayed remarkably consistent in his attitude and mindset. Rather than letting his performance dictate his thoughts, he let his thoughts eventually positively affect his performance.

As followers of Jesus, we all go through difficult times. In regard to circumstances, we certainly face our fair share of ups and downs, with life taking crazy twists and turns along the way. 

But just because our circumstances fluctuate between highs and lows doesn’t mean our attitude and mindset have to “ride that roller coaster of emotion.” 

As we focus our hearts and minds on the truths of God’s Word, we can find that life's circumstances don’t have to lead to major fluctuations in our joy and peace. We can have the same “approach” to life no matter what is going on because we are firmly rooted in the Bible's precious truths and our trust is in Jesus.

Though it’s always good to mature in our Christian faith by learning new knowledge, much of our maturity happens not when we learn new concepts, but when we become more firmly rooted in the basics of our beliefs. 

For example, most Christians know Romans 8:28 early in their faith: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” (NIV).

But think about how a verse like this can keep us off the “roller coaster of emotion” as we come to believe it more and more.

If God is truly working all things together for my good as a believer, why would I become utterly dejected or hopeless when life's circumstances are difficult?

Galatians 6:9 (ESV) says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

This verse not only shows that we can be tempted to feel a "low," but it also offers hope by reminding us that God will be faithful to bless the good deeds of His saints at the time He chooses.

As we navigate life, our goal should be to remain steadfast and consistent, remembering that God is in control, no matter what we face. He’s working all things together for our good if we are in Christ, and He’s fully worthy of our trust to change our circumstances as He sees fit, at the proper time. 

Today, let’s get off the “roller coaster of emotion” as we meditate on the precious truths of Scripture. 

May the Lord help us to maintain our joy, peace, and hope as we look to Him through all of the ups and downs of life.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that You are sovereign over all of the circumstances that come into my life. I know and believe that You are using them for my good to help me become more like Jesus. Please help me to remain constant and steadfast as I serve You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.