Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

March 16: Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1Corinthians 1

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, and out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

Observation: It is good when people can see the grace of God at work in our lives. They can see how great He is and may put their trust in him too. But this passage begins with the psalmist “waiting patiently” for the LORD. He did not run ahead, he waited. He did not give up and quit on the LORD. He waited, but how he waited was important: He waited patiently. He was already in the crisis and needed help, but his patience demonstrated that his trust was in God.

Application: Sometimes it is difficult to wait on the LORD. I want answers now. I do not see how God is developing the big picture. I need to refocus my vision on Him! I need to remember what He has done for me in the past. Waiting patiently demonstrates to others that I think my God is worth waiting for. It demonstrates that I am confident that God will give me the answer and that God’s answer will be well worth the wait!

Prayer: Lord, it is always worthwhile to wait patiently for you. Sometimes You take care of my crisis while I am waiting; sometimes you show me what to do; but You always put a song of praise in my mouth. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!