Around mid June, I felt God was saying to me to get pen and paper. And again later to write. But the feeling that came with the direction of writing was that this time it was to be on pen and paper and not on my phone.

The urge to start journaling hit me again a month later, stirring an impatience to purchase a journal. One that I liked the look of and was drawn to in order to help make the idea of it more appealing. Instead of the tiny, plain notebook I was trying to use.

Of course, all the fears came along with it: Is it going to be one of those things that I start and don’t stay in the habit of? Do I really want to spend money on it if I’m going to break the habit?

Against the fear of someone reading if I chose to write down prayer requests (mine and others). It feels a bit reminiscent of when I was younger. When having a diary with a lock and key was the trend. The strong compulsion to hide it from a sibling who always seemed to read it regardless. Did I even know what to write in it then?

Not to mention, fighting against the imperfections of having the words written neatly without anything crossed out. And feeling like writing my faults down taints the goodness of what I believe He has already to said to me.

But the thought that came earlier in the day as if He knew it was coming:

Through the imperfections,

grace bestowed upon you.

This is certainly a way to help me acknowledge and face the imperfections but to grow in turn.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Journaling has largely just been me practicing conversing with God through writing, hearing His voice. His encouragement for me. To see Him and hear Him through the writing and the time with Him.

To help me overcome not knowing what to write in the journal, I wrote down my purpose and what I wanted to achieve as one of the first entries. My list included:

• Thoughts, prayers and experiences -> to better, understand His presence in my life, discern His will and develop a more intimate relationship
• Conversation with God
• Reflect and write out Bible verses
• Testimony lifestyle
• Record moments of grace
• Clear my head, find peace and a sense of calmness
• Give God my day

God this journal and what comes of it is in Your hands.

How has journaling helped you? How has it helped you better connect with God?

Grace and peace!

Jo