Jim Harbaugh is a really great coach who has had success on the pro and college level. He had a strong run with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL and has done a tremendous job with Michigan so far.

Many other teams would love for him to be their coach, so that’s why the rumors are already swirling about the possibility of him coaching the Los Angeles Rams after Jeff Fisher’s firing earlier this week.

Despite the speculation, it seems unlikely for anyone to pry him away from his alma mater, and his current players feel that way too. Following the discussion Harbaugh had with his Michigan team about the Rams’ rumors, senior defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow shared this:

“He said, ‘Look, guys, short, sweet, to the point, I’m not leaving, don’t worry about it’. These are lies made up by our enemies.’ It got the team riled up. We don’t want any enemies infiltrating our fortress.”

I want to believe this is true, and I hope Harbaugh sticks around for a while at Michigan. The college coaching world is crazy, as well as in pro sports, so it’s hard to know who to trust and what rumors are legitimate. However, I think the line that was used, “These are lies made up by our enemies,” is a powerful one.

I’m sure the team got fired up when they heard Harbaugh’s response to the rumors, and I’m convinced that it is a line we need to remind ourselves in our own lives. We are in a battle every day between truth and lies, and we must choose what to believe.

As followers of Jesus, the truth is in us and in God’s Word, but unfortunately, we have to continue fighting against the lies that are coming at us in all directions. We must remember the truth that God loves us, He’s forgiven us, He’s our protector and provider. He’s all-powerful and He’s the creator, but also cares about us individually.

When we begin to doubt these truths and believe that we are still condemned or worthless or not good enough, we must remember that “these are lies made up by our enemies.” God cares about us…He is working in us and through us… and “we don’t want any enemies infiltrating our fortress.”

By soaking in God’s Word and listening to His voice, we are better equipped to recognize we have a real enemy. The Bible talks about satan in John 8:44 (NLT): “…He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Thankfully Psalm 145:18 (ESV) assures us, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

1 John 5:20 (ESV) reminds us, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Today, I hope that we get “riled up” by choosing truth over lies. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that I can’t battle my enemies alone and need Your strength. Please help me to remember the truth of Your Word, and continue to seek an even deeper understanding of who You are. I pray I would believe the truth, instead of buying the lies. Thank you for the way You love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.