SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Isaiah 47.

Scripture

“You felt secure in your wickedness and you said, “No one sees me”; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” –Isaiah 47:10

Observation

It’s possible to FEEL secure even when we aren’t. The Babylonians were about to receive sudden disaster, but they didn’t realize it.

Their knowledge led them to the false sense of security. Knowledge can make a person proud and over-confident, as if he has total control over his destiny. This pride was expressed in the claim, “I am” (a name and title reserved for God).

Application

I am not the “master of my own destiny.” I have a part to play, but my life can change dramatically and suddenly, in ways beyond my control. Therefore, always stay humble, in God’s will and dependent on Him.

Prayer

Father, I work hard to educate myself and do the best I can in life, but ultimately, my life is in Your hands. And that is the most secure place for me to be and where I most want to be. Let Your grace, Your love, and Your angels continually surround me, I pray.

Amen.