Journaling is a spiritual discipline that can have a profound impact on your life. I started journaling several years ago for two main reasons. First, journaling is a biblical principle. If you’re ever read the book of Psalms, you’ve read part of King David’s journal. He was a man’s man, and he kept a journal. That helps me to feel a little bit better about myself. I’ve never killed a lion or a bear but I do keep a journal. The Lord also encourages us to journal when he told Jeremiah, “Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you” (Jeremiah 30:2).
The second reason I started journaling is for practical reasons. I keep a journal because I forget stuff. Yeah, it’s not spiritual but it does help me to remember what the Lord has spoken to me.
Journaling is one of the best spiritual disciplines I’ve developed. It wasn’t always easy to develop this habit, but it has been beneficial in many ways. Journaling will help you to:
- Remember what the Lord has spoken to you.
- See how God has answered your prayers.
- See how much you’ve grown.
- Develop gratitude for what Jesus has done for you.
Last week in my journal I made a four-page list of different things the Lord has done this past year. Some were little things, and some were big things. I call this time my, “Year-End Review.” Reviewing my journal gives me confidence going into this next year. It also produces a profound sense of gratitude for what Jesus has done. I would encourage everyone to take the time to have their own year-end review and to start a journaling habit.