As sports fans, we understand that the quarterback continues to be the most important position on the field and the best QBs are highly gifted with tangible skills like arm strength, athleticism, and size. However, there are several critical, yet intangible abilities that quarterbacks need, and one of those is having a strong “pocket awareness.” That means they have a keen sense of what’s going on around them and who is near them. They know when the defense is closing in, and where their teammates are, perceive where they need to move, and understand what is best to do during that play. They consistently keep their head on a swivel and remain alert. In other words, it’s the QB's job to sense the pressure from the defense and make adjustments, know when to step into the pocket and remain there, and also realize when he’s drifting too far away from his protection. Quarterbacks who have this kind of “pocket awareness” are the most effective for their team. As we continue into the Christmas season, I want to challenge us to have a strong pocket awareness when it comes to having a keen sense of who is near us and what is going on around us. So what does that look like? It's intentionally knowing where our teammates (friends and family) are, not just geographically, but emotionally and spiritually. We can ask God to give us discernment about the best ways to help, encourage, support, and serve them. We can also have pocket awareness about making the right decisions and making any adjustments that are needed as we head into the new year, as we desire to move toward Him and do what's best. We can pray Paul's encouraging prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV): “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Pocket awareness when it comes to sensing the pressure from the defense or the stress and anxiety that often takes over this time of year is very important, as well. We must be aware when we’re drifting too far away from trusting God and instead need to step into the pocket of His peace and strength. Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) says, "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: 'He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.'” Lastly, let’s make sure our pocket awareness is leading us to sense God’s presence, knowing He is with us. After all, Matthew 1:23 (NIV) proclaims, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). As we celebrate Jesus this Christmas season and acknowledge God's presence in and around us, let's make sure we have the pocket awareness to truly take notice of Him. When we remain alert with our heads on a swivel, looking for Him, we'll be aware of how He reveals Himself in so many unique ways! I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to know You and to experience Your presence. Thank you for being with us. I pray I would be more aware of what's going on around me and the ways You are revealing Yourself to me. Please give me discernment and wisdom as I desire to follow You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. In what ways have you been aware of God's presence this Christmas season? 2. What example of "pocket awareness" would you like to be stronger in?
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