how to keep a journal :: Christian Home and Family

This is #7 in a series of posts – find the rest here (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6) This post is taken, in part, from my book RECHARGE.

Keeping a journal was a practice many people did in days gone by. A large number of biographies you read are only possible because the subject of the book kept a journal, telling of their life’s events and their inner thoughts.

But journaling can be more than a simple diary.

It can be a tool for tremendous spiritual growth.

Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators used to say,

“Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.”

In my life, this has been powerfully true.

When I journal, I am able to unwind my thoughts, get them out for me to see and consider, and think better as a result.

I often find myself able to express myself better in prayer, by journaling my prayers. And I’m also able to understand the Bible better when I use a journal as part of my study time.

How to journal for Bible study

This method of Bible study centers around writing down your observations, impressions, and feelings as you read the scriptures.

It is similar to both the “S.O.A.P.” method and the “Scripture/Prayer” method, but not as structured.

One drawback to learning how to journal

Journaling can take a significant amount of time.

You may find yourself frustrated that you haven’t finished with your passage, or even a portion of it by the time your daily time limit is over.

But don’t let that discourage you from giving it a try. Many people find their study time comes alive as they learn how to journal.

BENEFITS OF LEARNING HOW TO JOURNAL

Helps you think through what you are studying with great effectiveness.
For those who like to write, this method can be a real joy!
You’ll find this method may help you retain more of what you study.

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

A Trustworthy Bible translation (ESV, NIV, NASB, NKJV, KJV, RSV)
A journal or notebook

HOW TO JOURNAL

Choose your passage and begin reading.
Read enough to understand the context and situation of the passage.
Hand-write the first bite-sized section of what you’ve read.
Begin writing out your thoughts about the passage.
Include thoughts, feelings, impressions, questions, life situations it may apply to, examples in your own life that come to mind, other passages that you know relate, etc.
There is nothing off limits.
Write it like a prayer or conversation with the Lord if that is helpful.
Prayerfully reread what you’ve written.
Add to it if more thoughts come to mind.
Finish with prayer, asking the Lord to use what you’ve read to accomplish His work in you.