Journaling can help Christians grow closer to God and teaches them how to bring their joys and sorrows to Him. Journaling is a simple way to record your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly. In general, many health authorities believe journaling can help a person gain control of their emotions and improve their mental health.
King David, the “sweet psalmist of Israel”
If there is one person in the Bible who understood the meaning of journaling, it was King David. His psalms were like journal entries of what he was thinking and feeling about his experiences. Some theologians estimate that David wrote at least 73 psalms, which is nearly half of the 150 psalms in the Book of Psalms.
David expressed his emotions by writing poems and songs and putting them to music. In addition, he expressed a wide range of emotions in the psalms, from joy to despair and everything in between. David knew that he could express his heartache and other emotions to God Who loved Him despite his human weaknesses.
Not everyone can write music, but most people can write about their hurts, joys, disappointments and desires. In fact, many people still do this today, and it is called “journaling.” If you have never tried journaling, you may find it difficult to do at first. So, here are some suggestions to get you started:
5 Steps to help you begin journaling
- Purchase a journal or a regular notebook. Some people buy journals, but a regular three-ring notebook works just as well.
- Find a quiet place to write. It is difficult to concentrate when surrounded by people and noise (television, radio, etc.). Moreover, journaling should be personal and not a group sport or media event. When journaling, you want to be free of distractions and focus on writing.
- Select the time that’s best for you to write. Some people like to write in the morning. Whereas, there are others who like to journal at night and write about the events of their day.
- Decide what to write. Here are a few journaling ideas if you are not sure what to write:
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- Read your favorite Bible Scripture; then, write about how it blesses you.
- Write about whatever you feel thankful for.
- Record the events of your day or week and how God helped you through them.
- Write prayers and keep a prayer log.
- Consider bullet point journaling if you are short on time or do not express yourself well through long-form writing. This type of journaling focuses more on making lists of bullet points about what you need to get done, what you are experiencing, and what you need to plan out. This is an ideal way to journal if you use lists to help stay organized and productive.
- Read your favorite Bible Scripture; then, write about how it blesses you.
- Be consistent in your writing. You may decide to write every day, every other day or once a week. Whatever you do, continue writing.
Journaling provides time alone with God
As was mentioned earlier, journaling helps Christians grow closer to God. So, think of journaling as your time to meet with God. Even if you’re writing about something that is not “spiritual,” take time to focus on how God has been beside you through it all. For example, David wrote about people betraying him and wanting to kill him (like his son, Absalom and King Saul). Yet through it all, David thanked God for sparing his life and providing blessings as his reward for relying on God.
Your journaling will be different each time you write. To explain, some days you will have much to write about, but other days, not as much. The main focus, however, is on getting your thoughts written down.
Remember, your journal time helps you to grow closer to God. In light of this, do not be surprised if the Holy Spirit leads you to pray after you finish writing. What better way to praise God than writing about Him in your journal.
For free printable prayer journal pages, CLICK HERE.
Want to begin journaling?
Why not start with Watch and Pray: The Eight Prayer Watches Journal or an Intercessory Prayer Journal, both by United in Christ Ministries of Canton? Click on the book title or image below for more information.
We pray that these prayer journals will draw you closer to God and help you to understand the importance of journaling.
