Scripture:
Psalm 56:8
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in your book?”
Observation:
God takes into accordance the number of times we stray like lost sheep. It is during these times that we must earnestly seek God, for the direction and guidance. He bottles our tears. Our God is a compassionate God. He sees us and recollects every time we’ve cry, we’ve lost hope and the times where we may have felt worthless. God records all these, but He wants us to know that He is there for us. All He wants us to do is to “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22a).
Application:
Every single time I’ve felt sorry for myself, or when I’ve felt all depressed and emotional, God was there in the midst. He was ready to be my refuge, my strength my peace. All He needed me to do was to call upon His name and that’s what I’ve forgotten to do. There are many instances where I’ve pursued my own ending rather than seeking God and allowing his grace and love to flow through my situation. It is God who will sustain me, not the pleasures of this world.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for not seeking you in times of emotional distress. I pray that you may rule in my circumstance, that the world will no longer have hold on my emotional solutions. May You, O Lord, be the solution to all my problems. May you continue to sustain me, as I lay my burdens down.
Scripture:
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears”.
Psalm 34:18a
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart”.
Observation:
We are being called to seek God’s face in times of adversity. It is these moments that determine whether or not we are Christ followers. Our God will deliver us from our circumstances. Our God hears us when we cry out to Him. Our God is near us when we suffer from a broken heart. Therefore, it is so important that our personal and intimate time with God is spent during times of hardship. It is He who we trust, not this world.
Application:
I need to spend more quality, alone, intimate and personal time with God. It is only through this, that He will deliver me from all the problems I am currently facing. I know my God will never leave my side, but do I really KNOW Him. My time spent with God really needs to improve. My prayer life, my devotions and the songs of praise need to be more at a deep and meaningful level and can’t be superficial. I need to make the effort, especially when God is going all the way for me.
Prayer:
Forgive me God for not spending enough time with you. Forgive me for forgetting my first love. I ask that you may restore the relationship I had with you, that I may go beyond what was already there and really seek you and get to know you. I pray that my heart continues to grow a stronger love for you, that I may seek you and only you in times of trouble. I love you God. Thank you so much for your faithfulness towards me.
p.s. I will be away on a retreat for a few days, so the next following days will be missing. But don't worry, it will all be back as soon as i have internet access. Meanwhile, keeping SOAP'ing and stay blessed. Much love!
Scripture:
Psalm 32:7
“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with the songs of deliverance. Selah”
Observation:
It has been a constant reminder that through times of trouble, that God will be there to protect me and to keep me guarded. However, it is included that songs of deliverance will surround us. These songs praise God for when he has been our help, our refuge, our stronghold, our healer, our protector, our comforter, etc.
Application:
God is preparing my heart for tough times ahead and quite possibly the trying times in friendships. The ability to know my God on a deep and personal level allows me to build that trust and wanting for my God. He has called me not only to know Him as my hiding place, but to share it with those around me. I must continue to praise God in all the things He has done and will do in my life. Without Him, I am weak, poor and defenceless. It is Christ who strengthens me and it is He who abides in me.
Prayer:
Thank you for your continuing promise to be there for me in times of trouble. I pray that I may continue to praise You even though I may go through a season of tough times. May the words that come out of my mouth lift you higher than what I face.
May God continue to strengthen you, as He is doing in me. Much love!
Scripture:
Psalm 30:11
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness”.
Observation:
Whenever there is times of darkness, testing times, loneliness, etc. God turns it around and brings the joy and happiness to the situation. He removes the burdens off our chests, frees us from the bonds of our problems and replaces it with His love and grace.
Application:
My God is my comfort and joy. Through times of loneliness, heartbreak and desperation, it is He who comforts me and makes me glad. He removes all doubt and fear and provides words of faith, hope and love. I love my God and I could never thank Him enough.
Prayer:
Thank you for your faithfulness and unconditional love. Thank you that you continue to provide the joy and peace I need when facing dark situations. I pray that your love may continue to flow in times of loneliness, unworthiness and sadness. May You continue to be the light that shines in my life. I love you God.
Scripture:
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”.
Observation:
Our lives here on earth are surrounded by such darkness and death, because sin inhabits the earth. Every single day, we are tempted in different or reoccurring ways that would further us from our relationship with God. This verse is a declaration that sin has no control over our lives. For God is with us, he will be there to guide us, to protect us, to strengthen us and to shelter us from the filth that surrounds us. He will bring forth His light, to illuminate the darkness.
Application:
I will no longer fear the sin, the filth, the darkness, and the death, which surrounds the entirety of my life. I must seek God to bring forth his light and his power in breaking the bonds and ties that sin has caused around my heart and mind. The breaking of walls can only be done through Him. For God is with me, who can be against? For nothing is impossible for Him!
Prayer:
Father, please forgive me for not seeking you first in times of darkness. I ask that your light may illuminate all situations in my life. I pray for your spirit to come over my life and release me from the bonds of sin, more specifically lust, greed, pride and disobedience. I pray that I may continue to trust in You and find my strength in You.
Scripture:
Psalm 18:28-30
“For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him”.
Observation:
Through God we are able to do more than we are capable of. He provides us with the light (hope) in times of darkness. He provides the strength and courage we need to overcome obstacles. It is through His word and His ways that we are more than capable in doing this. For His ways are perfect, for His word is proven and through Him, we can accomplish anything.
Application:
I can accomplish anything if I put my trust and faith in my God. It is my God who will give me strength, hope and courage when I face difficult times ahead. It is my God that will bring me back on my feet just so I can have another go at it. I must continue to trust in my God, knowing that His ways are perfect and that His word is proven.
Prayer:
Continue to strengthen me Lord as I face difficult and trying times ahead. I know that through you I can do anything. So continue to be my solid foundation. I ask that you may guide me and guard my heart from the attacks of the enemies. I love you God, thank you again for your unfailing love.
