SOAP

SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 119:9-10 NKJV - (9) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. (10) With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

OBSERVATION:
David asks a question that has been asked for generations: ‘How does a young man stay clean?’ What keeps us fresh, fragrant, and fruitful? The answer lies in something fairly simple but often overlooked, especially by young men – soap!

Have you ever smelled your pre-teen or teenage son when he begins to emit that distinctive odor, you know! Musty onions on a warm summer day or that wet dog smell when you bathe your dog. As parents, it's our job to teach them to use soap, deodorant, and showers because nothing is more offensive to the nostrils than onions and wet dog. Of course, I say this not only from personal experience with my own boys but also from my own experience.

My point is this – soap is and should be an essential part of our daily routine because, without it, we will start to emit an unpleasant smell. David is asking the question not physically but spiritually: how do we produce a pleasing fragrance while simultaneously cleansing our souls?

Since I was a high school student, I uncovered a secret that changed my life—and I’m not talking about deodorant or antiperspirant, though I’m grateful I found those, too—the Word of God. During my freshman year, I decided to follow Jesus, become His disciple, and deepen my love for His Word. I have to admit, at first it was challenging, but I’m forever thankful for my Youth Pastor who encouraged me to read the Bible regularly. He gently nudged me to read daily and also reminded me—because he knew me well—that I shouldn’t aim for perfection. His words, 'Don’t shoot for the moon,' meant I shouldn’t set impossible goals for myself. As you might guess, I wasn’t very good at taking his advice at first. I decided to start by reading the entire book of Genesis as my first daily devotion. I soon realized that those ten minutes I managed to carve out early in the morning weren’t nearly enough. Frustrated and a bit discouraged, I shared my struggle with my Youth Pastor that week. And he did what any caring Youth Pastor would do—he laughed. After we both laughed, I felt a little embarrassed, but he was quick to reassure me. He said, 'Read for ten minutes, don’t worry about how much you read. It’s not about quantity, but quality.' Those words have stuck with me ever since, guiding my journey.

A few years later, as a young Youth Pastor, I found myself being asked the same questions I had posed as a young man. During a Youth Workers Conference, I learned about the SOAP acronym (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Although it originated in the SOAP method in medicine—standing for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan—its principles translate effectively to our spiritual well-being. This insight sparked my daily practice of the SOAP method.

Over the years, I have encouraged students, friends, and disciples to read and journal daily. While many have continued this practice, others have chosen to deepen their devotional experiences through various methods. My main aim has always been to inspire them to read God’s Word, keep a journal, and actively apply what they learn. I firmly believe that the answer David was seeking is found in the Word of God, where we understand how our sins are dealt with, discover how to live as faithful disciples, and establish a strong foundation for our lives.

APPLICATION:
In this devotional, I use the SOAP acronym to help me remember and apply God’s Word each day. Ultimately, SOAP keeps me feeling fresh, fragrant, and fruitful.

Here are five essential guidelines for effectively applying the SOAP method—remember, these aren’t strict rules, as each individual may approach it differently; what truly counts is the quality of the result.

1. Find a reading plan – reading through the Bible in 365 days is beneficial, whether you follow it chronologically or not. If that feels overwhelming, try a youth version (a simple Google search will yield many options). If reading the entire Bible (which I highly recommend) is too difficult, start with a New Testament reading plan. The goal is to immerse yourself in His Word.
2. Don’t aim too high! – If reading feels hard, go at a pace that allows you to absorb God’s Word. Begin with ten minutes a day and incorporate journaling into your routine.
3. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into what you're studying. He will—listen and then write down what He shows you.
4. SAOP Journal – While reading, highlight the verse or verses that stand out to you, and let that be your journal entry for the day. Use this template as a guide:
   1. Scripture: Write down the verse or verses God speaks through His Word.
   2. Observations: Make observations (Who, What, Why, When, and Where—the facts). Usually, this means retelling what you've read in your own words. Don’t worry about being a scholar; observe.
   3. Application: Think about how what you've learned applies to you. What does God want to remind you of or do in your life through His Word? Make it personal—what is He speaking to you?
   4. Prayer: Turn what God is showing you into a prayer. Ask for His help, praise Him for His promises, and pray for His strength to share this with others.
5. Take time to review what you’ve written and learned. Going back to see what God has done through His Word helps reinforce our faith in His faithfulness and reminds us of His work in our lives.

How does a young man (or even an older one) stay fresh, fragrant, and fruitful? SOAP! It's by consistently reading, applying, and living out God's Word each day.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for Your Word! Thank You for teaching me about Your love, forgiveness, and grace, and for showing me how to live and be Your disciple. Please help me to cherish it, live it out, and apply it every day in my life.