Whenever I watch football with my wife, who is not a big sports fan like me, she makes unique observations. Phrases that I hear as normal football vernacular stand out to her, so she points them out.
Last Sunday, she kept hearing the announcers say the word “pocket,” which I decided to explain to her and write about today.
Wikipedia defines the pocket as “the area in the backfield created on a passing play where the offensive line forms a wall of protection around the quarterback. This allows him adequate time to find an open receiver and to pass the ball.”
It’s critical that a quarterback has a strong offensive line that keeps the defenders away and provides enough space for him to see the field clearly and make wise decisions with the football. It’s also essential that the pocket is formed in order to protect the QB - the most valuable player on the field.
As fans know, when a pocket breaks down and the QB is forced to run outside of his protection, then he is more susceptible to a big hit or a possible fumble. Also, he must get rid of the ball quickly because if he remains in the pocket too long then the defense caves in on him.
In life, operating with a “strong pocket” that protects our heart from temptation is extremely important. Similar to a "QB," Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Every day we need protection from the defense that is attempting to break through and destroy us. We need enough space “in the pocket” in order to see things clearly, make wise decisions, and resist temptation.
If we stand back there too long without getting rid of the temptation or “throwing the ball,” our indecisiveness causes us to become vulnerable and the defense eventually consumes us.
Sometimes we also buy the lie that leaving the pocket is our best answer and we try to make a play on our own. James 1:14-15 (AMP) puts it this way:
"But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited by his own desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.”
When we leave the pocket of protection we’re more susceptible to “big hits” and “fumbles.” That’s why every day, we need to guard our hearts, quickly get rid of the temptation, and remain in the “pocket” as God protects us and guides us to do His will.
Ephesians 6:11 (AMP) encourages us to “Put on the full armor of God , so that you may be able to stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the temptations in life are real and intense and I know I need Your pocket of protection. Help me to remain in Your will and not be enticed by my own desires. Please quickly replace any temptations with truth and provide a way out. I know Your way is best and I thank you for protecting me from the enemy. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What does having a "pocket" and remaining in the "pocket" look like in your life?
How do you normally handle and combat temptation?
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