Journaling as a Key to Spiritual Growth
by: Michael Woods
The Reluctant Journaler: A Testimony of Transformation
I must admit, journaling never struck me as a “guy thing.” The thought of penning down my reflections each day seemed somewhat out of character for me. Yet, after the umpteenth person extolled its virtues, my resistance waned. I decided to dive in. Now, here I am, a journal by my side each morning, unfailingly jotting down insights from my devotional readings. And I must say, the clarity and understanding it brings to my walk with the Lord is something I never expected.
Why Journal? A Christian Perspective
Journaling, while not explicitly mentioned in scripture, resonates deeply with the Christian tradition of reflection and remembrance. It is considered a spiritual practice because it aligns seamlessly with the Bible’s encouragement to ponder God’s works, as 1 Chronicles 16:12 exhorts us to “remember the wonders he has done.” Similarly, Psalm 111:2 tells us, “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” Through journaling, we create a personal testament to God’s faithfulness, chronicling the daily miracles and lessons He imparts.
The Benefits of Journaling in Your Spiritual Walk
- A Record of Faithfulness: Just as the Israelites built altars to remember God’s deliverance, your journal becomes a modern-day altar of remembrance—a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness in your life.
- Clarity and Insight: The act of writing can transform abstract thoughts into clear concepts, offering new insights into familiar scriptures and daily experiences.
- Prayer and Praise: Your journal is a private sanctuary for prayers and praises, a place to commune with God without reservation.
- Accountability and Growth: Seeing your spiritual journey unfold on paper encourages accountability and highlights areas for growth and thanksgiving.
Getting Started: Journaling as a Daily Discipline
- Choose Your Companion: Select a journal that feels inviting to you—something you’ll look forward to using every day.
- Set a Time: Dedicate a specific time for journaling. Whether it’s alongside your morning coffee or before bedtime, make it a consistent part of your routine.
- Free Your Thoughts: Don’t worry about grammar or neatness. This is your personal space to converse with God.
- Reflect on Scripture: Write down a verse that speaks to you each day and reflect on its meaning in your life.
- Recall God’s Goodness: Regularly revisit past entries to remind yourself of how far you’ve come and the prayers that have been answered.
Writing with Purpose: Tips for Effective Journaling
- Be Authentic: Write with sincerity. Your journal is a judgment-free zone where authenticity reigns.
- Stay Active: Use active voice to keep your entries vibrant and personal. Instead of “Grace was given by God,” write “God gave me grace.”
- Keep it Simple: Convey your thoughts in simple language. The power of your journal lies in its truth, not in its vocabulary.
- Bullet Points are Your Friends: Sometimes, bullet points can help you organize your thoughts, especially when listing prayers, gratitudes, or lessons learned.
Journaling: An Ongoing Journey of Discovery
Each entry in your journal is a step on your spiritual journey. It’s a practice that brings the abstract into the concrete, providing a tangible way to track your growth and God’s grace in your life.
Take the Leap: A Call to Action
I encourage you, regardless of where you stand on the concept of journaling, to give it a try. Start small, with just a few minutes a day, and watch as this simple act enriches your relationship with the Lord. As you do, remember that the power of journaling lies not in the act itself, but in the heightened awareness it brings to God’s constant presence and work in your life.
To get you started, I am providing you with 19 journal prompts, one for each day that we have left in the month of November. Here they are:
- Reflect on a moment this year you felt most grateful for. What happened, and why does it stand out?
- Write about someone in your life who has made a significant impact. What are you most thankful for about them?
- Describe a difficult situation where you found something to be thankful for. How did it change your perspective?
- List five small things in your everyday life that you appreciate but often overlook.
- Think about a time when someone’s kindness made a difference in your day. Have you told them thank you?
- Consider the role of thankfulness in your faith. How does gratitude shape your relationship with God?
- What is something you’re looking forward to that you’re thankful for in advance?
- Recall a moment when you were able to help someone else. How did it feel, and why are you thankful for that experience?
- Write about a tradition or ritual that you’re thankful for within your family or community.
- How does the act of giving thanks change your mood or outlook?
- Share a Bible verse that inspires gratitude in you and explain its personal significance.
- Reflect on the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to. Why are you grateful for that experience?
- Write a letter of thanks to yourself for something you’ve accomplished or overcome this year.
- Think about the last time you laughed heartily. What made you laugh, and why are you thankful for that moment?
- Describe a lesson you’ve learned this year for which you are grateful.
- Meditate on the nature around you. What aspects of God’s creation are you most thankful for?
- Consider a skill or talent you have. How has it enriched your life or the lives of others?
- Reflect on a time you received forgiveness. How did it feel, and why are you thankful for it?
- Imagine your life one year from now. What are you doing, and what are you most thankful for in this vision?
As always, thank you for being part of our First Orlando family!
God bless.
Mike
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
