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

September 10: Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

Scripture: Lamentations (NIV) 3:19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Observation: It seems like trouble comes easily to our memory. We do not have to try to think about trouble. It seems our minds are programmed to ponder trouble. As we think about the bad things that come our way, we become depressed. But those who know the Lord, have something to “call to mind.” I may not be able to stop thinking about trouble by trying to stop thinking about trouble. But I can actively place my thoughts on something else.

Application: Today I will find hope as I actively think about the LORD’s great love, His compassion which never fails, and His great faithfulness. How can I be depressed when I consider the greatness of the LORD!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I think about trouble, I often make it bigger than it really is, but when I think about you, I can never make you bigger in my thoughts than you really are! Indeed, you are amazingly great! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!