Anna Stodolak shares today’s wonderful devotional with us.
Dropkick Me Jesus" by Bobby Bare 1976
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
End over end, neither left or to right
Straight to the heart of them, righteous up rights
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
Make me, oh, make me, Lord, more than I am
Make me a piece in Your master plan
Free from the earthly temptation below
I've got the will, Lord, if You got the toe
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
End over end, neither left or to right
Straight to the heart of them, righteous up rights
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
Bring on the brothers who've gone on before, dearAnd all of the sisters who've knocked on Your door
All the departed, dear, loved ones of mine
Stick 'em up front in the offensive line
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
End over end, neither left or to right
Straight to the heart of them, righteous up rights
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
End over end, neither left or to right
Straight to the heart of them, righteous up rights
Dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
Yes, dropkick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life
End over end, neither left or to right
With football season in full swing, it’s hard not to hear the language of the game everywhere, touchdowns, goalposts, kickoffs. That’s what makes the line “Dropkick Me, Jesus, Through the Goalposts of Life” so striking. It takes a familiar football image and turns it into a spiritual one, using the idea of a clean, straight dropkick to express a deep hope, being guided through life’s challenges with purpose, direction, and grace. In a season where everyone is talking about perfect plays and staying between the lines, the song reminds us that faith works the same way, we’re all trying to move forward without drifting off course, relying on God to steady us, aim us, and send us exactly where we need to go.
At heart, “Dropkick Me, Jesus, Through the Goalposts of Life” is really just someone asking God for help getting through life. He admits he can try his best, but he can’t do it alone, he needs God to give him that extra push. That idea lines up with verses like Psalm 37:23–24, which says God steadies our steps and holds us up when we stumble. When he talks about being sent “end over end, neither left nor right,” he’s basically saying he wants clear direction, no wobbling, no getting pulled off track by all the stuff that can confuse or tempt him, much like Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
The song also shows how much he wants to grow and be part of something bigger. Lines about being made “more than I am” and fitting into God’s “master game plan” echo Jeremiah 29:11, the promise that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. He knows the world is full of temptations, and he wants to rise above them, which reflects 1 Corinthians 10:13, reminding us that God provides a way out when we’re tempted. And there’s a sweet touch at the end, imagining loved ones who’ve passed on as part of his “offensive line,” still protecting him and cheering him on. That picture fits beautifully with Hebrews 12:1, which describes a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding and encouraging us as we run our race. It turns a funny football metaphor into a simple, heartfelt prayer for guidance, strength, and hope.
So even though it’s wrapped in a funny football metaphor, the heart of the song is pretty relatable, wanting God to keep you moving forward, straight and true, no matter what life throws at you.
Make it a Thoughtful Thursday! God is good….