My daily journaling from God’s Word. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Proverbs 18.

Scripture

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe. The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense, they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.” –Proverbs 18:10-11

Observation

Some people trust in money for their security and safety. The godly trust in the Lord! He is our fortress! We are to RUN to Him–quickly, swiftly. Most people run to money for their security, but to think money will make you safe is an illusion; it can be gone in an instant (especially in our day when all our money is simply stored as a digit on a computer!)

Application

How do I run to the Lord–take refuge in the Lord? I don’t think this means I can’t have money; it means I shouldn’t TRUST money. I should follow the admonition on all our currency: IN GOD WE TRUST! This is an issue of the heart. This trust in the Lord is developed through awareness, spiritual sensitivity, prayer, trials, testings and choices to OBEY what the Spirit says regarding money.

Prayer

Father, You have been, You are, and You will always be my Refuge, my Fortress, my Strong Tower! I trust in You! But I live in a world in which people all around me trust in their money. I would be naive to think I’m not affected by these constant messages of trusting in money. Help me be aware of times I put my trust, my hope, or my security in anything but You–my Provider in time of need and my Strong Tower in times of trouble.

As I age and face the reality of one day having diminished health, help me to plan appropriately in a God-honoring way and to remember that no amount of wealth can make me secure without You as my Strong Tower. Father, I’m counting on You for my future as I have my past. You have been faithful and always will be!

Thank you and I praise You!

Amen
“A mighty fortress is our God! A bulwark never failing!” –Martin Luther