S.O.A.P.

What is S.O.A.P.?

At Village View, our desire is that every believer would not just attend church, but also hear from God daily through His Word. As we read the Bible, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think, transforms the spirit of our mind, and helps us become more like Jesus.

S.O.A.P. journaling is a simple and excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to you. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time when you want to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and important lessons!

Furthermore, while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your Small Group or spouse, so having a written record becomes very important. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight, and even encourage others.

How to S.O.A.P.

S – SCRIPTURE
Open your Bible to your reading for the day. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

O – OBSERVATION
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you.

A – APPLICATION
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

P – PRAYER
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

AN EXAMPLE FOR YOU: WATER IS ON ITS WAY

SCRIPTURE

The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. -Exodus 17:1

OBSERVATION

“At the command of the Lord, the Israelites camped, but there was no water to drink. You’d think that if God commanded a camping spot, there’d be immediately plenty of water, as well as a buffet line and waiters to bring them coffee and dessert. You’d think that if God had planned it, all the logistics would have been taken into consideration and a catering company would be waiting for the Israelites as they arrived.”

APPLICATION

“There will be times, even though the Lord leads us, when we will find ourselves with sparse resources. Not enough money. Not enough help. And not enough encouragement. But it doesn’t mean that God is not in the situation.

Maybe you’re like me . . . being patient comes hard when I am thirsty after a “long trek.” We can react prematurely, jumping to the wrong conclusions about how God is working. In doing so, we make the desert a hotter place than it needs to be. God is not finished yet. Think about it—God had water stored in a rock!

How often, from a source we least expect, God provides. He did for the Israelites, and he will again for you and me today!”

PRAYER

“Lord, thank you for helping me to understand that just because there is a shortage of resources, it doesn’t mean that you haven’t led me to this place. I will wait on you to provide, knowing that you still have more to come. Remind me of this when I panic or complain.”