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S.O.A.P. - a method in spiritual journaling
Scripture
Observation (What does it say?)
Application (What does it say to me?)
Prayer
S - I Chronicles 16:8-12 “Give thanks to the LORD,
call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done,”
O - We are to praise God and tell the world, with a joy-filled, grateful heart about all the wondrous works He has done.
A - How easy it is to slip into self-focus, self-absorption or self-pity. Sometimes I come to God and it’s all about how I feel, what I’m doing or not doing and a poor me attitude. These verses quite clearly point to the root of the problem - me…and my inward gaze. The writer’s focus is on God and what He has done. He writes what our response should be - singing and rejoicing with gratitude. When I spend my “thought time” looking at me, I am far from joyous and content. But when I look to Him and remember what He has done, my perspective shifts and I find myself looking upward and outward. I have much to thank God for as I look back over the week, the months and even years. He has worked marvelously in the lives of people all around me. He has been so faithful in my own life - protecting, guiding, answering prayer and showing up in unexpected ways. When I focus on my needs and feelings, discontentment creeps in but when I focus on Him, my soul settles and deep joy replaces my muddled thoughts.
Today, I want to move about with a heart that’s truly grateful for all He has done. I want to sing this morning with a heart rejoicing and full of praise and worship to a faithful God who never changes and continues every day to show up in unexpected ways to prove HIs love for me.
P - So thankful for all You are and all You have done, Most High God, my Heavenly Father.