SOAP’ing the Proverbs has, again, been awesome for me. I hope you are hearing Him loud and clear, too.

Even if you aren’t up for SOAP’ing, I pray that you are reading and reflecting and talking with the Holy Spirit, at least a little, about what you hear.

And on to today….

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 6

Using the SOAP devotional method, here’s what I heard this time…

Scripture: Proverbs 6:25

Do not desire her beauty in your heart,

and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;

Observation:

As I mentioned yesterday, my understanding of the Proverbs is that the references to adultery not only refer to adultery in marriage, but also wayward thinking and actions that take us away from God. Keeping that in mind, this is my observation of this verse:

Don’t be deceived by things which should not be your focus, allowing their allure to draw you away from what should be primary.

Application:

Focus. Focus. Focus.

I keep hearing this loud and clear from my Father as I SOAP the Proverbs with you this time.

I must not allow myself to be pulled from my path. I need to guard against distraction. This is a warning to me that things will look alluring and fun and probably as though they have worth along the way. Rather than being enticed by alluring offers and side trips, I need to think about every step, evaluating where it fits in on my true path before taking each new action. Something may look gorgeous on the surface, and yet it still may not truly fit in to my objectives, my calling. I need to stay true to the path God has set for me and not deviate.

I believe there is more joy and fun when I truly follow Him, so it’s not as though I’m saying joy is bad here, just those things that look like joy that detract from the bigger picture and ultimately frustrate.

Prayer:

Oh, Lord, you know that so many things pull at me. I want to be better in so many areas. I want to achieve so many different things that really are ‘good’ things. They are just not on my most important path right now.

Thank you for reminding me that I need to stay focused on your path for me. We’ve discussed this at length, so I’m pretty sure I’m on it.

Help me to steer clear of the shiny, alluring distractions and keep my focus on the next steps as set out by you. Surround me with wise counsel and also the ability to see when the counsel offered to me is not so wise for where I am right now.

Thank you so much for helping me to hear you so much more clearly this week than I have in quite awhile. Help me to keep seeking and listening and following Your instruction. I don’t want to be pulled off course. I want to follow You.

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to see my focus better, and for your help in remaining focused.

I love you. You amaze me in so many ways, your incredible forgiveness and gift of your Son are just the beginning. In His name I pray.

Amen.

Here is what I have heard in the past when reading Proverbs this way and using SOAP:

• Working to Be Prepared – Spiritually and Otherwise (Proverbs 6:6-8)
• Am I Listen-Worthy? (Proverbs 6:20)

FREE Printable Resources:

• Proverbs in 31 Days ebook – contains instructions, reading plan, and journal pages
• Proverbs in 31 Days: Day 6 journal page

What about you?

What did you hear today? Did the same verse stand out to you or was it something else? Share your thoughts in the comments, if you are up for it.