- Phil Schmitt
SOAP: Psalm 84
SOAP is one of the primary ways to dive deep into scripture and get the most out of our time with the Word. If you don’t know what the SOAP method is, it stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer:
Scripture: Physically write out the Bible verse. When writing it down, you are most likely to memorize it and you’re opening up the chance for more to be revealed to through the written words.
Observation: What do you see in the verses you’re reading? Who is speaking? Do you see a theme or something that stands out to you?
Application: How can I apply this to my real life? This is where God’s Word becomes tangible through YOU. What is God saying to you? How can you become more like Him? Are there any changes you could make?
Prayer: Has God revealed something to you during this time that you need to confess OR thank Him for? Do not skip this step! There is power in prayer and this is a great way to complete your reading time.
In today's post, I'm going to share Psalm 84 and what stood out to me and how I plan to apply to my days and pray.
SCRIPTURE / PSALM 84
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
LORD of Armies.
2 I long and yearn
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even a sparrow finds a home,
and a swallow, a nest for herself
where she places her young —
near your altars, LORD of Armies,
my King and my God.
4 How happy are those who reside in your house,
who praise you continually. Selah
5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a source of spring water;
even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each appears before God in Zion.
8 LORD God of Armies, hear my prayer;
listen, God of Jacob. Selah
9 Consider our shield, God;
look on the face of your anointed one.
10 Better a day in your courts
than a thousand anywhere else.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than live in the tents of wicked people.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield.
The LORD grants favor and honor;
he does not withhold the good
from those who live with integrity.
12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,
LORD of Armies!
OBSERVATION
Blessed -
Are those who dwell in your house (v4)
Whose strength is in you (v5)
Is the man who trusts in you (v12)
Better is one day in the house of the Lord than any number of days anywhere else (v10)
The psalmist would rather be a servant in the house of the LORD than be a king among sinners (v10)
God does not withhold good gifts from those who walk in obedience to his ways (v11)
APPLICATION
Blessing comes from the LORD. In order to experience true blessing, joy, and goodness we must be intimately connected to God and his ways. As sinners we are separated from God and his ways. We have no ability to live a righteous life. That is why it is so important to turn to Jesus in faith! We are clothed in his righteousness. For God to not withhold good gifts from the blameless does not mean there are people capable of living a righteous life. It means that God does not withhold good gifts from those who dressed in Jesus Christ’s blamelessness. In repentance and faith we then strive to live an obedient life in the ways of the Lord because of all that he has done for us.
PRAYER
Lord help me to remember the goodness that is found in your house. Through your Spirit empower me to walk in your ways, to love and serve you well. Produce in me a faith that is unwavering in the face of wickedness that I may dwell in your house forever!
If you have more questions, whether about this passage or Jesus, OR if you feel you are ready to take the leap and receive salvation through faith, then reach out to us at info@truenorthpgh.org We believe that every person will experience tremendous life change once they feel and experience the amazing love of Christ.
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