With college basketball back, last night brought two competitive games and tight finishes. The Champions Classic featured No 1. Duke beating No. 2 Michigan State 88-81…and No. 4 Kansas beating No. 7 Kentucky 65-61.

Both games were filled with freshmen showcasing their abilities, and we got a glimpse of the top teams to keep an eye on this season. I’m personally eager to see if the polarizing Duke senior, Grayson Allen, can continue playing like he did last night, scoring 37 points.

Beyond the play on the court, Michigan State’s warmup shirts really stood out. The front of their shirts had the words, “We Talk, We Listen” and the back read, “It’s Not About Me, It’s About Us.”

Although these slogans were in response to conversations taking place about social issues, there is a spiritual message we can unpack today.

Very simply, “We Talk, We Listen” is a great posture to have when it comes to prayer and our on-going relationship with God. I think many times we lean more toward the “We Talk,” which we are reminded about in 1 John 5:14 (ESV): “And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.”

However, listening to God and hearing the truth He speaks to our hearts is also crucial. Instead of just telling God everything we want Him to do for us, we receive great power and peace when we actually listen to His voice.

The writer of Psalm 85:8 (NLT) tells us, “I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.”

Hebrews 2:1 (AMP) explains, “For this reason [that is, because of God’s final revelation in His Son Jesus and because of Jesus’ superiority to the angels] we must pay much closer attention than ever to the things that we have heard so that we do not [in any way] drift away from truth.”

As difficult as it may be for us to listen, we must be still as we quiet our hearts to hear the distinct and life-giving voice of the Lord. When we do, our hearts and minds are wonderfully filled with truth, wisdom, and love.

Today when we think about the slogan, “We Talk, We Listen,” let’s be reminded of the incredible opportunity we have to communicate with our Heavenly Father. When we pray, let’s not only bring our requests to Him but let’s always leave space to hear His response.

As we obediently follow Jesus, let’s always be alert to His voice, so we can experience the truth found in Deuteronomy 28:2 (ESV): “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I would know and follow Your voice. Please help me understand the back and forth communication I have available because of Jesus. I ask that I’d learn to listen well and know Your ways. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.