Daily Devotion Tuesday September 14

Have you ever used the SOAP method of Bible study? In the past, I used it pretty regularly and I was looking back at some of my previous entries in my journal.  It made me wonder if others have ever done this. 

When we refer to the term SOAP, it stands for SCRIPTURE, OBSERVATION, APPLICATION and PRAYER.  

I have used this with difficult passages, but it works quite well for more familiar passages as well. Take for instance, the passage of Jeremiah 29:11 which you can find here:  
https://my.bible.com/bible/111/JER.29.11.NIV

Using this method would look something like this: 

S (Scripture)- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

O (Observation)-  The things I take away from this are that God has an understanding of who we are and what He has planned for us. He is not winging it, but He has a clear destination in mind for our lives and it is GOOD! 

A (Application)-  Often I find myself getting lost in the “what if’s” of life.  What if the future doesn’t look the way I’d like it to?  What if I mess things up?  The questioning can go on and on in my brain and I can take myself off the rails, but what I have learned is to stop and think about this:  If God is in control and His plans are good, then why am I spinning out of control in my thought process?  I do it more frequently than I’d like to admit, but I’ve gotten better at reigning it in. This verse was a HUGE part in that. 

P (prayer)- Lord, I find myself getting way ahead of myself (and YOU). Remind me in the uncertain times that You are in control and your plans for my life are good. AMEN.  

Let us know if you’ve ever used this method and your experience, or try it in your own quiet time. 
Meghan 

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