SOAP Devotions
A note from Ps. Kev :
Below is an example of a SOAP devotion from my journal. I encourage you to keep things simple and write and much or as little as you feel, while thinking what the scripture means to you, and how you could apply it to your life. After I have journaled for the day I like to give the devotion a title, this one I called : Resolve of Will.
Resolve of Will —
S : Scripture
Today’s Scripture :
“He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’ ”
— Mark 14:33-36
O : Observation
My observation :
Jesus is making his way to the cross to pay for the sins of the world and put on the table a relationship between God the Father and His creation. Suddenly in the garden Jesus begins to get revelation from the Spirit of the Father of exactly what this process is going to entail. He is deeply distressed and troubled in spirit, anxious about what awaits Him. He falls to his knees, pleading with the Father to see if there was any way He might not have to endure this horrific journey. Jesus knows his dad could veto this process, but in doing so, we see humanity condemned to an eternity separated from God. So, He seals the deal with those incredibly famous words; ‘Yet not what I will, but your will be done.’
A : Application
How can I apply this to my life :
It’s ok to be troubled and distressed and even anxious at times with what God might be asking you to do for the advancement of the gospel to others. It’s even ok to cry out to God and ask Him to take it away, as you know He can do it. But once you have said your piece and articulated your concerns and fears, you must display courage and conviction and surrender your will to His. You need to have the resolve to say, ‘even though I am terrified and scared to death to follow through with this because of what it might mean, not my will but yours be done.’
P : Prayer
My prayer :
Father, it is comforting to know that Jesus experienced the same feelings I struggle with. Please give me His same resolve to see all your requests through. Amen.