Week 4
Opening Reflection: Abiding Meditations
Abiding meditation is the practice of being fully present with God—becoming aware of his nearness in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s a way to regularly return to God throughout the day, inviting him into your current reality with calm attentiveness and open-hearted reflection.
Rather than replacing your regular quiet time, abiding meditations are brief pauses that help you stay rooted in Christ during your day. They create space to recognize God's presence, hear his voice, and respond to what he may be saying in the moment.
The SOFT Practice
The SOFT acronym helps guide your awareness and reflection with God:
Senses – What are you experiencing through your senses?
(Sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste)
Others – Who are you with or who is on your mind?
What impact are they having on you? What impact are you having on them?
Feelings – What emotions are you experiencing?
What may be causing them?
(Examples: joy, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, worry, envy, surprise, anticipation, trust)
Thoughts – What dominant thoughts are running through your mind?
Where are they coming from?
As you bring these observations before God, listen quietly for anything the Holy Spirit may be revealing through your current experience.
The tSOAR Reflection
Another format for abiding meditation is based on the tSOAR acronym. This method is especially helpful when you want to realign your perspective and rest in God’s sovereignty during the day.
Time – “Lord, you are with me in this moment.”
Acknowledge his presence—right here, right now.
Truth – “What truths should I be aware of?”
Ask God to reveal his truth from Scripture and your circumstances.
Trust – “I believe you have allowed everything I am experiencing, and I trust that it’s all working for my good because I love you.” (Rom. 8:28)
Reaffirm your trust in his goodness and sovereignty.
Surrender – “I accept what you’ve allowed me to experience.”
Let go of resistance and receive the moment with open hands.
Obey – “Is there anything you are calling me to do right now?”
Invite clarity on next steps, even if they are small.
Abide – “Thank you for allowing me to experience your presence.”
Rest in the grace of being with him.
Reconcile – “Is there anyone I should reach out to or something I need to make right?”
Be open to nudges that invite you to love, restore, or bless others.
Both SOFT and tSOAR are simple ways to pause, re-center, and walk with God more attentively. They’re especially invaluable in moments of stress, busyness, or emotional intensity—turning ordinary interruptions into sacred encounters.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” —John 15:4