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Wash Clean
Right now, more than ever, our minds are focused on soap. And if you’d told me in January this would be my new obsession, I’d have laughed at you. Webster’s Dictionary defines soap as “a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids.”
And, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been obsessed with washing my hands. As a matter of fact, I’ve used many methods to ensure I soap them for at least 20 seconds.
Years ago I learned the method of singing Happy Birthday twice. And recently I’ve been saying the Lord’s Prayer or reciting Psalm 23. And sometimes I slowly sing Jesus Loves me.
Sing
Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me…the bible tells me so! I know He loves me. He died for me. Furthermore, He took the sins of the world and bore them on Himself while hanging on that cross. He did that for you and me. Just like soap, he cleansed. He cleansed my sins. He washed me clean of my past, present and future sins. Yes, Jesus loves me.
Fellowship With Him
In Joshua 1:8, the LORD instructed Joshua to stay in the Word. This was to be Joshua’s life plan. Most importantly, by studying and meditating on scripture, by learning and following the guidance from the LORD, he would find instruction and direction.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
The Law here referred to was also known as the Torah, the 5 books of Moses, otherwise known as the Pentateuch; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
In Psalm 1, we see “how blessed is the one who stays in the Law, who meditates on it day and night”. To us, that means to stay in the Word. To read and study and meditate on what God’s Word means to us. For, we were freed from the Law when Jesus died on that cross and paid the ultimate price for our sins. But, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t read the bible or study it and meditate on it. We commune with God when we are in the Word. This is how we fellowship with Him.
Study
I’ve learnt a scripture study method that I’d like to share with you here. Maybe it will help you in delving deeper into His message and what He is communicating to you. It is meant to help you breakdown a line of scripture, to examine its meaning.
By using this method I’m sharing with you here, you will learn to develop a deeper relationship with God. And let’s face it, He should be our only true obsession!
The study method I’m referring to here, believe it or not, is called S.O.A.P. This acronym stands for Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.
Our lives are busy. We try to cram so much into ours days. Yet, we need to carve out time for our communion with God. Many use the S.O.A.P. method when they only have maybe 15 minutes to devote. With this approach, you can create your own devotion. Let’s break it down.
Scripture
Choose a scripture verse you are moved to delve deeper into. (I have actual chosen an entire paragraph before, but do plan on extended time if you choose to use this method in delving deeper into an entire passage or even chapter.)
Now write it out. Underline words that jump out to you. Highlight repetitive words or actions. Sometimes I will draw a square around certain words or actions, as I’ve shown here.
Observation
Now, analyze your line of scripture. What meaning have you gleaned from it? What is it saying to you? You’ll find great enrichment as you focus on this one verse you’ve chosen.
Application
Your next step is to apply what you have learnt into your own life. How can you use this revelation in your daily walk with God? How will this help you better shine your light? What changes will you make because of what you just learnt?
Prayer
Now, turn to prayer. Converse with God about your findings. Thank Him. Pour out your heart to Him. Maybe you didn’t come to any great conclusion and you need clarification or guidance. Then, let Him know your needs. Seek His presence. Ask Him to show you a clearer path.
Conclusion
I do hope you will find this study approach useful. Have fun with it! Doodle in the margins. Underline words that jump out to you. Circle others.
And lastly, allow me to leave you this blessing from Paul, as he closed out his letter in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
*As this also, is the conclusion of my Delving Deeper series, please accept this free gift for you to use in your S.O.A.P. bible studies. May it provide you a useful study tool on those days when you have only a little small bit of time to devote to your scripture studies.
