How To Make Room to Journal

Journal keepers journal for therapy, prayer and self-reflection. A spiritual journal serves as a companion if you are ready to develop and discover more about God's plan for your life. Journaling is a process for those who believe journaling is a way of life, a way of understanding the world. It is part of a lineage that embraces events, circumstances, landscapes and people that connect you to God. Journaling is a spiritual undertaking that takes you on several paths, but only one direction--deepening your relationship with God.

The most important action is to show up to the page. The more room in your life to journal generates even more room for journaling with and to God. The only true obstacle to journaling is a lack of faith that appears as fear and self-judgment. As an avid journal keeper and workshop leader, I offer you some scripture inspiration to prompt your journal writing. Pick up your pen and write.

1. Share your song. "Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them." Deuteronomy 31:19. Songs are lyrics, verses and poems embedded in our memories and evoke a powerful influence that stirs our deepest emotions. Some songs remind us of God's goodness and compassion and others remind us of his faithfulness and patience in our personal lives as well as our lives as a people. In accordance with Deuteronomy 31:19, a song was ordered to be composed by Moses, which the Israelites were to learn and to teach to their children to inspire the popular mind with a strong sense of God's favor to their nation. Are there moments when a song, poem, psalm, or story reminds you of the times when God has showed you favor? Think about who would benefit from learning that song. In your journal, write down the verses. Next write the emotions the song inspired, and then write down what God taught you from that song and how you learned to obey Him.
2. Journal from your heart. "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3. God always keeps his promises, and you should not forget them. His faithfulness should be worn like a bejeweled ruby necklace and cared and preserved for, with great interest. Isn't it fascinating how you can take comfort and live upon God's many promises like "I will never leave or forsake you" in any turbulent or halcyon times. From your heart, write down the most delightful and entertaining merciful truth that God has bestowed on you that showed how the Lord was loving and faithful.
3. Joy for the journey. "We write this to make our joy complete." 1 John 1:4. The day you accepted Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord is your spiritual birthday. Do you remember that day--the day you fell in love with Jesus? There were many things that you have seen and heard, that fascinated and captivated you about his new life. Write a prayer to God thanking him for the joy in your life that has left you intoxicated and infatuated with Him.