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S.O.A.P. a method of spiritual journaling
Scripture
Observation (What does it say?)
Application (What does it say to me?)
Prayer
S - Psalm 37:3,4,5,7 “Trust in the LORD and do good… Delight yourself in the LORD…Commit your way to the LORD;…Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.”
O - My part in this faith journey is to trust, delight, commit and then be still, waiting on His timing.
A - How easy it is to slip into the habit and mindset of trusting in my planning and strategizing and then asking God to bless my efforts. It only takes a few days out of His Word and away from a quiet time in His presence to find myself in the place again of taking the reins and trusting in my own efforts to get things accomplished for “kingdom” purposes. I’m thankful He works and accomplishes His will despite my feeble attempts to do it on my own.
But I miss the blessings of seeing His Spirit at work in me because my own efforts crowd out His space to freely move. I’m left fretful, discontented and disappointed. I work towards an end and when that is unfulfilled I am left feeling empty or discouraged.
Verse 5 reminds me to commit my way to the LORD, trust in Him and He will do this: “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” (verse 6)
We are called to be light in this world but the light is to be from God - He is the source of the light we are to let shine through us. Our righteousness comes from Him, not our own striving.
P - Father, too often I try to do life in my own strength and your light in me grows faint and dim. Forgive me and help me to remember to commit each day to your leading, trust You, as You lead and wait patiently for Your Spirit to accomplish Your will and purposes.