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.
Scripture:
Psalm 15:1-2
“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart”.
Observation:
We must be people who walk uprightly in the ways of God, knowing wrong from right and acting upon that. In doing so, we walk in the works of righteousness as we set ourselves apart and carry out what we believe in. Lastly, our hearts must speak the truth, the truth that comes from the word of God. Our lives must be based around the word of God in order for us to walk uprightly, work in righteousness and speak in truth. Without it, we find ourselves wandering around the wilderness, having no direction.
Application:
I am being urged to really get back to basics and just get into the word of God. The word of God should be the foundations in everything I do, for it provides strength, stability, peace, etc. God’s word is my foundation and should be for the rest of my walk on earth.
Prayer:
Thank your for your word. Thank you for reminding me of the people you have called us to be. I pray for forgiveness for times where I may have lacked in uprightness, or righteousness or even in truth. I pray that Your word may continue to build the strong foundation in my walk with You.
Scripture:
Psalm 12:3
“May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things”.
Observation:
This verse is highlighting the topic of pride and arrogance. We are called to be humble before God and his people. There is no one greater or with a higher ranking, other than God who sits on His rightful throne. We must watch what we say, as it can reduce other’s self esteem and make ourselves look like idiots.
Application:
As a leader, I must not use this responsibility as a way of talking myself up or speaking down on others. I must be someone who is humble enough to not only serve others, but to partner with others in sharing their burdens. I am to be humble in all situations.
Prayer:
Forgive me Lord for the times where I may have seemed prideful or may have spoken down to anyone. I pray that you soften my heart and break the walls of pride that surround it. I ask that you continue to humble me through your word and through your spirit. Thank you for refining my Christian walk.
Scripture:
Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You”.
Observation:
Not only is God our victory and our strength, but also He is our “refuge in times of trouble”. God will be there no matter what, to hear us out whenever we need him. For as long as we trust in Him and seek Him, He will be there for us.
Application:
I must continually seek my God and trust in him, for He is my refuge. He is the one I go to when I feel down, when I feel lonely, when I feel desperate, even when I think it’s just me versus the world. It is my God who I will trust. My God will bring peace to my heart, will strengthen my spirit, will get me back on my feet and direct me on the right path. That is the God I serve.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for being my refuge in times of trouble. I pray that you may continue to be the solid rock, the strong foundation that gets me back up on my feet. May your spirit continue to pour out on my life that I may seek your face daily. Strengthen my trust in you. In your mighty name I pray.
Scripture:
Psalm 6:8-9
“Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication, The Lord will receive my prayer”.
Observation:
Our prayers are a declaration of God’s victory in our lives. When we pray, we don’t go into it not expecting or not knowing the result or outcome. God knows what will happen, victory will be His. As David prays, not only does he rebuke the opposition, but also he declares that God hears his prayers and will answer. Prayer leads to victory.
Application:
Prayer is an important component in our walks with God. It is our ways of communicating and spending time with God and a way of lifting up our needs and certain situations that needs God’s help. My prayer life needs to improve. I reflect back a few years ago when prayer was one of my strong points and now I seemed to have lost touch with it. I need to have that same passion, if not greater than what I had before and really stand in the gap and intercede for those in prayer. Not only will prayer break down walls but also it will result in victory in Jesus name.
Prayer:
Father, let my prayer life be restored to where it was before. Stir in my heart that passion and persistence I had when interceding for others. I ask that you continue to bring victory after victory in my life as I call upon your name. Thank you for your faithfulness and I pray that you continue to pour out your blessings.
Scripture:
Psalm 1:6
“For the Lord knows the ways of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish”.
Observation:
Our plans, our futures, our desires have already been planned out by God. However, it is up to us to be the righteous people and seek God daily. In doing so, our plans, our dreams, etc. all fall in line with God’s calling for us. If we decide to go off tangent and pursue our own ways without godly counsel, then we will find ourselves in an everlasting cycle, going nowhere with no purpose.
Application:
My ways need to be the ways of the righteous, in terms of career, employment, education, etc. I find myself, not asking God for advice when I need it the most. This has got to change. I have sensed that this year will be a testing year for me in terms of struggles, hardships and whatever life may throw at me. But what will be required of me is that I seek God at every point of decision-making. Through him, I will make the right decision. A decision that will fall in line with what he has called me to do.
Prayer:
Thanks for reminding me that you have a plan and a future for my life. I pray that I may continue to seek you daily and that I may seek you for advice and counselling before I make any decision. May you continue to guide me and be with be through this year, that your calling for me would be more clear and precise. Thank you Lord for your continuing grace and mercy.
Scripture:
2 Samuel 22:7
“In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God: He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears”.
Observation:
This passage was a declaration of God’s faithfulness in David’s life. As David faced the darkest moments in his life, God was there to prevail, hearing David every time he cried out and bottling every tear when David wept. God strengthened David, lit his path and was David’s rock and refuge.
Application:
My God is a God who cares. He is there for me every single time. This is one thing I cannot take for granted. My God deserves all the praise, all the honour and all the worship. I know my God will be there in the darkest moments of my life to the joys and triumphs. I must learn to continually find my strength in Him, for it is God who will get me through. He is my rock, He is my fortress, He is my refuge, it is He who I will trust in all of my days.
Prayer:
Thank you for your word and your faithfulness towards me. I pray that I may continually trust in you and in your word. May you strengthen me in the season to come that I may continue to worship you in the toughest of times. May your light prevail the darkness and may your word direct my paths. I love you God.
Scripture:
2 Samuel 19:28-30
“For all my father’s house was but dead men before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to cry out anymore to the king?’ So the king said o him, ‘Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, You and Ziba divide the land’. Then Mephibosheth said to the king, ‘Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house”.
Observation:
Mephibosheth brought up a valid point with the king, inquiring why should he follow such a king who would kill his father’s house and have the king’s servant betray him. King David tried to reconcile the situation with Mephibosheth by dividing the land between the two. However, Mephibosheth gave it up just to see peace within the king’s house as he returned.
Application:
This verse is screaming integrity. Personally, I struggle with integrity. Trying to be the same man at church, work, home, university and even around friends is tough. I find that as I stray away from the word and as I lack in a prayer filled life, my integrity lessens and I become a worldly man. I fall for things that are temporary, items that bring short-term satisfaction. I need to ensure that I continue to spend time with God to build up the strength to live an integrous life. I want to be the same man wherever I may go.
Prayer:
Forgive me Lord for not living an integrous life. I pray that you may teach me how to live a life of integrity through your word and through my prayers. Direct my paths and cover me in your grace and mercy. Thank you God.
Scripture:
2 Samuel 17:10
“And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men.”
Observation:
This verse highlights Absalom’s foolishness in fighting fire with fire. He did not want to hear that there was a chance of him losing this battle, therefore going with original advice in the pursuit of David, sending out a full force army in destroying David and the people that was with him. The verse explains that, although you may have men who are strong and courageous, there is still the possibility of weakness. Absalom’s foolishness resulted in his death.
Application:
When I think of the word valiant, it is someone who is strong, brave and courageous. Someone without a kink in their armour. This verse highlights the fact that although they may be valiant there is still a possibility of weakness. I need to realise that there is always a possibility of weakness when I face the battles in life. I may put on a face of toughness, that there is nothing phasing me. But the truth is, that this may be seen as a sign of weakness, not accepting and not addressing the situation. I am a valiant man, however, the Father in Heaven is more valiant, greater and stronger than I. It is Him that I should look up to for strength and for courage.
Prayer:
Thank you for your continuing faithfulness in times of joy and trouble. I pray that you may to continue to strengthen me in times of weakness, discouragement and loneliness. May you continue to shape me in your image.
Scripture:
2 Samuel 15:30
“So David went up by the Ascent of Mount Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.”
2 Samuel 15:32a
“Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshipped God”.
Observation:
King David was torn. He lost his dwelling place because of Absalom’s power hungry scheme and because of this, King David was on the run. It came to a point where King David was just an emotional wreck, weeping and not caring what he looked like even though he was still king. However, even through this trial, David still found a reason to worship his God.
Application:
There are times where I really need to let go and just throw all my emotions out. I guess it’s because I’m so use to putting on an exterior face of toughness and stability. But reality is, I need a good session of complete mess. I feel like I have come to certain points where all I want to do is cry, but I cant. David, even as king was not afraid to let go of his emotions. I need to be that vulnerable, especially towards the people I serve. I need to quit putting on the strong façade and be real with my emotions at the appropriate time. David is a man of example. Even through the lowest of lows, he still came out worshipping God. I love David’s heart. One day, my heart will be the same towards my God. No matter what situation may come my way, I will come out of it worshipping my God.
Prayer:
Please break down my pride that I may be vulnerable enough to be shaped and formed by you. I ask for your forgiveness for those times I may have put up walls. I ask that you give me a heart like David that I may come out of a situation worshipping you with all I have. I love you God, thank you for your faithfulness.
Scripture:
2 Samuel 12:13
“So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die’.
Observation:
David’s downfall was due to his lustful nature towards Uriah’s wife. Instead of looking away and walking away from the situation, he pursued his needs and eventually caused Uriah’s wife to bare a child. David’s wrong doing not only caused him to sin against God but to purposely kill one of his own people. His sin affected more than just himself. However, David confessed his sin and was forgiven.
Application:
When reading this passage, the two ‘L’ words come into mind, ‘love’ and ‘lust’. The pursuit of love is the main cause of why we lust. I find myself caught in certain situations where this is the case. It’s difficult, especially for males to really look away and not have anything to do with the situation. In times like these, we as males really need to be strong and completely remove ourselves from the situation, before it may even occur. Being accountable and by setting boundaries and rules, it can remove or guard us from this temptation. I need to be strong in situations like this and should really ask the Holy Spirit to guide me and protect me through it all.
Prayer:
Please forgive me Lord for the times I have seeked love and have lusted in return. I pray that you may shield my eyes, my hands, and my thoughts from any temptations that may come my way. May I find my strength in you. You are my shield, my strong fortress, and the one, in whom I trust. I love you God, continue to shield and guide my path.
Scripture:
2 Samuel 5:10
“So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him”.
2 Samuel 7:3
“Then Nathan said to the king, ‘Go do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you’.”
Observation:
David’s success was because of his trust and faithfulness towards God. David didn’t go out into war by himself, nor did he do anything alone. David had God by his side wherever he went, whatever circumstances he faced.
Application:
I feel like God is telling me that this year is going to be a tough one for me. The past few days have been talking about David trusting God, David relying on God for strength, David being able to do all things because of God. God is preparing me for the tough times ahead. I need to have the same trust, the same faithfulness, the same ability to really find who I am in God and nothing else. I believe God is really going to test my walk with Him this year, push the boundaries of my comfort zone and really shake up the boat I am in. It’s time I find my strength in God and not in the delicacies this world may offer.
Prayer:
Lord, please strengthen me and protect me as the year progresses. I pray that as you stretch me, that I don’t lose hope in Your word and Your promise, that you may continue to cover me in spirit and in truth. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Scipture:
2 Samuel 3:18
“ Now then do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David, I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philstines and the hand of all their enemies.’”
Observation:
God has anointed and blessed David as king. David is now responsible for the lives of the Israelites in saving them from the hands of the enemy. God is using David as a tool in the restoration of lives in Israel. It is because of David’s servant heart and willingness that he is a perfect candidate for this. It is David’s obedience that will be the cause of all this.
Application:
This is a continuation of what God has spoken to me in the previous day. With God by our side, nothing is impossible. We must learn to really trust God, put our strength in him, completely find ourselves abandoned to his purpose. Not only that, but it comes down to our own personal walk with God. Is our worship unto God really up to scratch? Is He receiving all that He deserves? David, wasn’t only obedient, but he found all that he is, in God. God wants to use me, but before he can do that, I need a heart that serves, a heart that serves God and His people.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for your word. I pray that this word may penetrate my heart that I may really understand the meaning of being servant-hearted. I pray that I may be abandoned to your ways, that you may use me in glorifying your kingdom. I love you Lord and I pray that you continue to strengthen me.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6b
“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God”.
Observation:
David was rejected and denied the right to fight against the enemy. Not only that, but he was in complete distress because the people were talking about stoning him. He was blamed for all the lost souls that were taken from city. However, David did not fret, but instead relied in his God. David gave all his might to God, so that he may strengthen him. As David worships God [8], in reply, God promises the return of all things lost and stolen.
Application:
I need a heart like David. No matter what the situation may be, I need to continue to seek my God. It is my God that strengthens. It is my God who heals. It is my God who provides miracles. NOT ME! This year will be a big one for me and this entry is timely. God is going to return to me all things lost and stolen by the enemy. Old dreams, old visions, old passions, all things used to expand and glorify the kingdom of God. I cannot wait for what God has in store for me this year.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for your word in my life. I pray this word speaks to me throughout the year, that I may pursue a heart like David, a heart that seeks your face even though I may face the toughest moment in my life. Let it be a year of restoration and resurrection of things lost and stolen by the enemy. I love you God. Thank you for your faithfulness in 2010.
