Welcome back to our ‘Out of the Shallows’ devotional, where we are diving deeper into scripture using the SOAP method:
S – Scripture, O – Observation, A -Application, P – Prayer
Find more details about the SOAP method and check out the first post in this series at http://www.christiannotchristian.com/out-of-the-shallows-go-the-extra-mile-overcome-evil-with-good/
Today’s Scripture:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
-King David, Psalm 23: 1–4
S – The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
It’s Not All About You, Boo
O – This verse reminds me that If I don’t have it, I don’t need it. I never lack what I need – and here’s the key – to do his will. (Not necessarily my own.)
And;
When we sense we are in God’s will, even when the path seems wrong or hard or confusing, it is the right one for his name’s sake.
It’s all about Him! It’s not about what I want.
A – As Christians we don’t pursue something simply because it is reasonable and makes sense to us. We are encouraged to pray for guidance and direction, and follow God’s promptings. Then, we obey God and leave everything in his hands. As Pastor Charles Stanley puts it “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
I don’t have to understand it or figure it all out. When I know it’s from God, I need to just do it!
There are times when I sense I am being prompted by God, but I feel inadequate, unsure and fearful. Perhaps God can use even those feelings of trepidation and unpreparedness to help what I think, say, and do come from a more authentic and relatable place. Like, maybe others will see that even though I felt ill-equipped, I went forward, trusting God. And this might encourage them to do the same.
P – Lord, it truly is all about trust and obedience. When I feel called by you to pursue something, I don’t have to feel courageous or equipped or even good at it, to just do it. I simply need to trust you and obey. Please give me the courage and humility to live that out.
There is so much more in this short verse of scripture than what I came up with. I encourage you to write it down, mull it over, and ask God to show you what it means. Then use the SOAP method and see if you can’t dig a little deeper and let God reveal to you some great little nuggets of wisdom and truth.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
