In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding moments of tranquility and spiritual nourishment can be a challenge. Yet, amidst the chaos, there lies a timeless practice that offers solace and deepens our connection with God – studying The Word. The SOAP method of Bible study is a great and practical tool for diving deep into the wisdom of the Word.
Scripture: The journey begins with scripture – the living, breathing word of God. As Christians, we believe that every word penned in the Bible is divinely inspired. So, as we embark on our study, we choose a passage that speaks to us, one that resonates with our current circumstances or simply tugs at our hearts.
Observation: With our chosen scripture in hand, we embark on the path of observation. This step invites us to delve deeper into the text, to ponder its meaning, and to uncover the truths it holds. We ask questions, we analyze, and we seek to understand the context in which the words were written. Through observation, we glean insights that might otherwise remain hidden, allowing the scripture to come alive in our hearts and minds.
Application: The true power of scripture lies not merely in its comprehension but in its application. As we reflect on the passage before us, we are prompted to consider how its message applies to our lives today. What lessons can we learn? What changes must we make? The SOAP method challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual understanding and to allow the word of God to transform us from within.
Prayer: Finally, we come to prayer – the cornerstone of our relationship with God. In this concluding step, we offer up our thoughts, our reflections, and our desires to the One who hears our every word. We thank Him for the insights gained, we seek His guidance in applying them to our lives, and we ask for the strength to walk in obedience to His will.
In essence, the SOAP method is more than just a study tool – it’s a spiritual discipline, a pathway to deeper intimacy with our Creator. Through scripture, observation, application, and prayer, we embark on a journey of washing in the word, allowing its cleansing waters to purify our hearts and minds.
So, beloved brothers and sisters, as you navigate the ups and downs of life, remember the power of the SOAP method. Take time each day to immerse yourself in the scriptures, to reflect on their meaning, to apply their truths, and to commune with the One who authored them. In doing so, may you find renewal, strength, and unwavering faith in the God who loves you beyond measure.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Communing with God is a vital aspect of our spiritual life. We set aside intentional pockets of time to connect with Him. We steal away to our cultivated sacred spaces where we quiet the voices of our world to press in and listen for Him to speak. Communion with God in the “Secret Place” gives reference to Psalm 91:1.
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
The “Secret Place” is a term many use to describe the time we spend alone with God. The relational realm where we can pour out our hearts to Him, listen to His voice, and receive guidance and direction, rebuke & reconciliation.
The Secret Place is not a physical location, but rather a location cultivated in the spiritual realm around us. It is a place of intimacy. A place where we can be vulnerable and transparent with God, leaving nothing hidden or unsaid. Sacred space where we can lay down our burdens and find rest. The place where we can receive deep healing, comfort, and peace.
The Worshipful Act of Intention
Simply put, communion with God in the Secret Place requires time spent intentionally with Him. We live in a busy world, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Prioritizing our relationship with God, however, is essential and should be one of those daily “non-negotiables”.
There is no life in us apart from Him. He is the vine, we are the branches (John 15). Neglecting to spend time in His Presence or in His Word would be like neglecting to eat. We may make it a few hours, a few days, etc., but our physical bodies will pay a price. We will be starving, hangry, irritable, exhausted, etc. But it won’t necessarily cause us to stop living… immediately.
In the same way, just as starvation can eventually lead to physical death, neglecting time in the Secret Place can lead to a sort of spiritual death. When we neglect that set apart time, our faith suffers. Our ability to press on in the hard moments begins to fade. Attitudes suffer, our joy dissipates, and we trap ourselves under the crushing weight of the burdens we allow ourselves to accumulate.
Eventually, we stop relying on Him altogether. We simply forget that we can lay our heavy burdens down and pickup His instead; a yoke that is easy to bear and a burden that is light (Matt. 11:30). All the while, He never stops showing up. He is always ready and willing, so why aren’t we?
Purposeful Priorities
I’ve heard it taught before that, proper priorities look something like: God first, family second, career third. I think there is some definite truth to this hierarchy, though I would tweak it ever so slightly. I would write it as: God first, spouse second, children third, career fourth. I would also add a little asterisk (*) between God first and * spouse second that has a footnote reading “* In some cases, putting yourself before your spouse is more important.”
This is not a license to be selfish and put your needs above theirs. Rather, this is to say that “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. You need to come and fill your soul first (at the well that never runs dry) so that you can have something to pour into your spouse, kids, and career.
Obedience & Watchfulness
Once we become so acutely aware of our need for making time with Him, we must be faithful to show up. Obedience is the first step to hearing His voice. You can read ALL about this concept of obedience as the first step in Priscilla Shirer’s study “Discerning the Voice of God“. Obedience leads to discipline. Discipline leads to consistency.
When we step into that sacred, set-apart space, we can begin to focus on fostering intimacy with God. (Intimacy meaning a relationship where both parties are deeply connected to one another.) It is in this secret place where chains fall off, identity is restored, and revelation is revealed. This proves that the Secret Place, where we commune with God, is a space worth fighting for.
We can be certain that dwelling with Him in the Secret Place will give us direct access to freedom, one hundred percent of the time (2 Corinthians 3:17). Because of that liberating power, the enemy will stop at NOTHING to keep us too busy, too distracted, or too lazy to be consistent. Satan does not want us free. He wants us broken, beaten, tired, and worn down. What more strategic way for the “father of lies” to ensnare us than to convince us that we don’t have time to enter the Secret Place?
Consistant Communion
Communing with God in the Secret Place is not a one-time event, but rather a lifestyle, requiring discipline, intentionality, and honestly, spiritual warfare. As we make a habit of coming into His Presence, we will find that our relationship with Him deepens, and we become more in tune with His voice (John 10:14, 27-28). Subsequently, we may also find we experience more spiritual attack, oppression, and doubt. This is all futile attempts of the devil to thwart our pursuit of the Prince of Peace.
Cultivating Quiet
As we make it a priority in our lives, we will find that our relationship with God becomes richer and more fulfilling. The blessings will become immeasurable and our lives will be flooded with the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). So what does it look like to cultivate sacred space and enter the Secret Place? Here are a few ideas:
The Where
First things first: find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. If that’s impossible, grab some noise-cancelling headphones and a “Do Not Disturb” sign – you’re gonna need ’em. Maybe you want to create your own war room, (just like in the movie War Room!)
Get comfortable. Whether it’s a cozy chair, a soft blanket, or a pile of cushions, make sure you’re relaxed and at ease. I like to light a candle and grab a soft blanket to snuggle up with.
The How
Start with a prayer. Ask God to join you in the “Secret Place” and to reveal His presence to you. I like to pray using the “P.R.A.Y” acronym. P– praise God for who He is, R– repent of sin, A– ask for His provision, to supply all of your needs, and to answer your prayer requests, and Y– Yield to the Lord. Wait on Him, and trust that all of His promises are “Yes & Amen”. Wait in confidence knowing that He answers all prayers. If the answer is yes, have confidence knowing that your request aligns to His will. If it is a “no” or “not yet”, have faith that His timing is perfect and His ways are higher and greater.
Take a deep breath and let go of all your worries and distractions. Imagine them floating away like confetti, leaving you feeling light and free (and if you love confetti as much as I do, joyful!)
Engage in different spiritual disciplines. Read your Bible, sing worship songs, or simply sit in silence and listen for His voice. Whatever works for you! This time doesn’t have to look any certain way. It is a heart to Heart, spirit to Spirit interaction between you and The Lord.
A Holy Longing for Us to Commune with God in the Secret Place
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. God loves your quirks and your sense of humor- He wrote them into your DNA. So go ahead and crack a joke or two – He’s got a great sense of humor! Finally, remember that the “Secret Place” is not an invitation-only space. It’s a 24/7 access point and nothing/no one can ever close the door.
Wholly Healthy
Just as in any relationship, it is important to be emotionally healthy when pursuing deeper intimacy with God. Self-awareness is required. Identifying blind spots and other areas of growth are important so we make healthy associations about what we discover in the Secret Place with the Truth of the Word and who He is/what He is saying.
Read more about this important topic in another one of my posts, here.
Final Thoughts
In closing, I just want to encourage you.
God loves you so much. I hope you can read those words and receive that. He loves you SO much, he thought you were worth dying for. He made the decision to send his Son to the world, to die on the cross for every single sin you and I would ever commit, transcendently. He exists outside of space and time. He IS the beginning and the end. He sees it all outside of our finite, linear perspective.
When we honor Him by communing with God in the Secret place, His heart overflows for us. When we are actively engaging our most secret and rebellious sins, His heart overflows for us. That is unconditional love. It is unfathomable. It is unreal. Yet, it is completely true and accessible.
Here are a few Truth-filled reminders to encourage you as you embark on your journey to the Secret Place:
The Word never returns void, so you can’t go wrong by reading scripture (Isaiah 55:11).
When you believe the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, remember to test the spirits and discern what is truly from God (1 John 4:1-6).
If you are uncertain of something or struggling to understand, always reach out to a trusted mentor, pastor, or spiritually wise friend who can help.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and your Bible, and head into the Secret Place!
Losing a child is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Dealing with miscarriage as a Christian is a subject not commonly discussed in our churches or social circles. The lack of conversation around this topic can make for an incredibly lonely season of grief. Feeling like no one understands what we are going through leads to hopelessness and depression.
My husband and I have battled the pains of infertility for the last eight years. In summer 2023, we miscarried our first child at five weeks. Losing our sweet baby, Easton Beck Finnegan, caused us to experience a rollercoaster of emotions.
The waves of grief surrounding miscarriage are like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. As Christians, it can be challenging to reconcile feelings of grief and disappointment with a belief in God’s plan for our lives. However cliché it may sound, there really are ways to find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Steps for Dealing with Miscarriage as a Christian
Step One
The first step is giving yourself permission to grieve. Grief can be so painfully debilitating. Our bodies and brains want to go numb as a form of self-protection. I want you to know that not only is it okay to feel, it is necessary. Sadness, anger, and confusion feel different in the wake of a miscarriage. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and express them in healthy ways, like talking to a trusted friend or counselor, journaling, or praying.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. For us, the first step towards healing was giving our baby a name that has meaning. We chose Easton Beck for these reasons:
“East”- The direction the sun rises in. Sunrises have always captivated me, reminding me of God’s new mercies daily and reflecting the light of His glory. “Ton” is short for “Tony”, or “Anthony”, in honor of my Papaw who is the best man I’ve ever known.
“Beck” means “by the peaceful/still waters” which reminds us of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.
Psalm 23 (AMP)
When I read this Psalm, I picture a beautiful scene in my mind. The sound of still waters and beauty of rolling hills in green pastures. It brings me peace to envision sitting there with my baby in my arms, the light of His glory shining on me. The warmth of His embrace like the warmth of the sun. I believe I will live this vision out when I cross into eternity. I cling to this hope. One day, I will hold my baby in my arms, but until then I am comforted knowing that the One who holds me is holding Easton, safe and sound, until my arrival.
That is how I am personally dealing with miscarriage as a Christian.
Step Two
Walking hand-in-hand with Jesus in this time is essential. God is with us in our pain, and He understands our heartache. He understands every aspect of our humanness. I find great comfort in knowing that, in taking on flesh, Jesus knows exactly how it feels to be human. He has experienced grief, hunger, exhaustion, and joy. In fact, he has experienced more of the human experience than I have- death. Through it all, he never sinned. Instead, He modeled how we should handle those human experiences.
The Word says that he is able to sympathize with our humanness. He is not afraid of our big feelings or our depressive thoughts. Instead, he weeps with us. With the perfect and loving heart of the Father, he holds space for us and embraces us.
For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.
Hebrews 4:15 AMP
Turn to Him in prayer, and seek comfort in His promises of hope and healing. Find solace in passages like the one above. Similarly, Psalm 34:18 brings comfort:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
He is faithful. He is waiting for us to invite Him into our pain. All we have to do is turn our eyes toward Him.
Step Three
Finally, seek support from your community. Talk to other believers who have gone through similar experiences, and lean on your church family for comfort and encouragement. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept offers of support, whether it’s a meal, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on.
The need for community is a major piece of our hardwiring. We were not meant to do life alone. A strong support system can make all the difference in the midst of chaotic situations. The quality of those who make up our community is much more important than the quantity of people.
When looking for those trusted people, you really want to look for individuals who are emotionally healthy. When we invite people into our “stuff”, it is easy for the “stuff” in others to be triggered or provoked. In times of grief, we (as believers, especially) really need people who can speak wisdom and truth. When we are in a state of being triggered, we are not able to be fully available emotionally.
Additionally, who you surround yourself with matters biblically (Prov. 17:17, 18:24). Those friends who are more like family are the ones you can count on to bear your burdens with you. They are the ones who will pray for you, show up for you, and won’t let you walk this road of grief alone.
“People tend to believe that grief shrinks over time. What really happens is that we grow around our grief.”
Remember that healing takes time, and the road is not always linear. Your pain may never go away, but with time, you can find peace and hope for the future. Developing a daily rhythm of prayer is a great way to center yourself everyday. Preparing ahead is not only smart, it is biblically wise. (More on that here). Dealing with miscarriage as a Christian requires our communion with God. If you are looking for ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routine, check out my previous post here.
Allow yourself to grieve, lean on God, and seek support from those around you. Remember that you are not alone. Praise God for the hope we have in Jesus. One day, you too, mama, will be reunited with your baby in Heaven. Until then, we will walk through the pain together. One day at a time.
Prayer is an essential form of communication for those who are reliant on God. We recognize prayer as our direct-line to the Lord and as one of the most powerful tools we have for managing this rollercoaster called life. Here are 5 simple ways you can begin to incorporate prayer into your daily routine.
Simple Strategy for Success
Let’s face it, sometimes things get in the way. Between work, family, and the never-ending demands of each season, we often allow our prayer lives to become stagnant, distant, and neglected. One of my biggest convictions (that actually led to me wanting to write this post) was this; how often have you told someone in need “I will be praying for you!” and had every intention of following through on that, only to forget? Y’all, I am so guilty of this. I am convinced that I would forget my head sometimes if it wasn’t attached to my body.
When I first started asking God how to overcome this convicting, embarrassing, and frankly guilt-inducing habit, the first thing He prompted me to do seemed simple:
Slow down and be present.
A Short Backstory
I’m going to expose myself here a little bit now and let y’all know that your girl has ADHD. My brain (and also my mouth) want to run at 90mph at all times, even when I don’t realize it.
Since childhood I have been a talker and one who notoriously talks fast. If this is what is happening in my brain as an adult, causing my speech patterns to be in a perpetual state of “fast-forward”, it is no wonder why I sometimes forget things. Especially things that are not right in front of me. It is almost like everything that runs through my mind is like The Flash. I am aware of thoughts passing by, but only because I can see the remnants of the trail they’ve left behind. They go just as quickly as they come. My fellow ADHD-ers know the struggle! So how do you take a high-speed human like me and make her slow down and be present? One word: discipline.
With ADHD comes impulsivity. In general, it is very hard to make yourself do something that you physically do not feel like doing, right? It is a thousand times more difficult when your impulsivity tells you to go with what you’re feeling, rather than what your brain knows is best.
Practicing What We Preach
When someone asks you to pray for them, when someone pours out their heart to you, and/or when The Lord burdens your heart to pray with/for someone, you’ve gotta just stop and do it right then and there. Even if you don’t feel like it. We have to somehow get our brains to understand that when someone is communicating a need to us, that is our cue to stop and take a deep breath, and focus in. Everything else can wait for just a moment.
It is never going to be easy. It is never going to be second nature. Maybe at some point, by the grace of God, it will become routine and have an air of effortlessness. Until then, we have to force it. Or “fake it til we make it” as I like to say.
Thoughts Vs. Feelings
Did you know that the Bible actually tells us that our feelings are liars? It is true!
“The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it”
Jeremiah 17:9
Crazy, right? Our “heart” as written here (which is referencing our emotions/feelings) is heavily influenced by our flesh, which we know by nature is sinful! This is why the Word also says this:
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Basically, this passage is saying “Hey, the culture is going to tell you to do things one way, but that isn’t God’s way. Your feelings will be heavily influenced by that culture. Instead, you must know what the Word of God says. Read it, meditate on it, hide it in your heart so that when your feelings start to cause you to want to justify your sin, you will realize it. You will then be able to tell the ways of God apart from the ways of the flesh and not walk into the trap of sin.”
I know this might feel like a little bit of a tangent I’m on, but man, is it ever true. We are so emotionally driven and the Word is clear. That is simply notGod’s way.
This strategy might sound simple (and even like common sense to some), but it was a revelatory lesson I learned that really changed the trajectory of my prayer life. It also changed my intentionality, which helped me to steward my gifts of mercy & encouragement. *GASP* – it is almost like God had it all planned out to work together for my good!
He’s the best, isn’t He?
Alright, now that we know the strategy, on to the long awaited list!
5 Simple Ways to Incorporate Prayer into Your Daily Routine
Fear not my friends, for I have compiled a list of 5 simple ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routine that will leave you feeling blessed, present, and guilt-free.
The Commute Prayer:
If you are like most people, your commute to work can be a real drag. Instead of listening to the same old playlist, try reciting a prayer or two aloud. Not only will it make you feel more centered, but it will also make the person next to you on the bus feel awkward (and I think that is funny!) Hey, it could be a great ice breaker. Just after saying “Amen”, pop an eye open and say “Hey, you need prayer for anything?” I bet they will share a request or two!
The Mealtime Prayer:
We all have to eat, so why not make it a spiritual experience? Before you dig into that avocado toast, take a moment to give thanks for the food on your table, the hands that prepared it, and those you are breaking bread with. And for an added bonus, try praying for those who don’t have access to such luxuries. This is a great way to teach empathy to children, too!
The Shower Prayer:
One of the best times to pray is when you’re in the shower! The warm water is not only relaxing, but it serves as a great white noise machine to help clear your mind. Take advantage of this time to say a prayer or two. Just make sure you don’t accidentally sing “Amazing Grace” to the tune of “Baby Shark”.
The Workout Prayer:
If you maintain a regular exercise regimen, why not incorporate prayer into your workout? Instead of listening to music, try reciting a prayer or two while lifting weights or running on the treadmill. Yoga and Isometric Stretching are also complimentary workouts to prayer and meditation. Try listening to Scripture set to music (like this playlist on Spotify) while doing these relaxing activities.
The Bedtime Prayer:
Last but not least, the bedtime prayer. As you lay your head down to rest, take a moment to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. If you are married, praying at bedtime with your spouse is diversely beneficial. You can empathize with one another, communicate about all of your feelings and stressors, and you can bear one another’s burdens in love. A core part of God’s design for marriage (which you can read more about here!) If you’re a parent, having an established bedtime routine with prayer incorporated has immeasurable benefits as well. So much connection can happen when we are vulnerable with those we love. When we are vulnerable and it is received well, we are able to build trust with that person. When we have trust, our relationship can deepen.
So there you have it friends, 5 simple ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routine. I hope these have sparked some ideas and encouraged you. Let me know in the comments how you best incorporate prayer into your daily routine!
Let’s Connect!
So glad you’re here!
Hey friend! Molly here. Just think of me as a Tennessee troubadour with a heart as big as Dolly’s hair. Serenading souls, one note at a time. Crafting, gardening, baking, and spreading the good word about Jesus in between. Proud wife, dog mom, foster mom to several, and forever momma to baby Easton in Heaven. Lover of laughter, healthy boundaries, and songs that make you feel something. Read more about my story here.
