Momentum For Monday, October 25th 2021
“Don’t you ever forget his miracles and marvels…” (Psalm 105:5)
One of the biggest disciplines that I believe benefits my relationship with God is journaling. When I started out, I wasn’t very good at it. I would get a journal, start writing in it, and then in about a week it would die out. I have several journals that I never finished.
Now, over the years, I have grown quite fond of it. I have become pretty particular about picking out a journal. I’m also particular about the pens I use. It’s so personal to me. A journal has to be able to lay flat when you open it. It also can’t be too big or too small. And it definitely has to have lines. Otherwise, it looks like I was heavily medicated while trying to write. Also, no flowery crap either on the cover (see, I told you I was particular).
I had to learn to enjoy it though. I used to think I had to journal every day and if I didn’t it would throw me. Now, I write 4-7 days a week. Missing a day or so doesn’t bother me whatsoever. If I don’t have much to say that day, that’s ok.
One of the biggest reasons I journal is because the human memory is not dependable. And by default, the brain is usually more negative than positive. However, I want to remember what God has done in my life over the years and if I’m banking on my memory alone, I won’t remember much.
Other reasons I do it are to help process things. When I have to put pen to paper, it makes me think through situations and scenarios that I may not give much attention to unless I journal. It’s also therapeutic to me. It’s an outlet for stress, of which I prefer to have several outlets for.
Now, I go back a couple times a year and I revisit the journals from decades ago- yes, decades. I see how my writing has changed. I also see how my knowledge and understanding of God has changed. It stirs gratitude in me. I remember where I came from and what he has brought me through. When I’m going through tough seasons, remembering what God has done for me in the past give me hope and confidence that this too shall pass.
If you’ve never tried learning the discipline of journaling, I highly recommend it. If you’ve tried it and quit like I used to, be patient with yourself as you learn. But you don’t have to picky like me, just get a notebook and begin.
“Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did...”
(Deuteronomy 7:18)