"Journaling"

“Journaling”

 

Over the years I’ve read lots of books on Christian living and growth, many helpful, others not so much. A few of the more useful ones suggested keeping a journal to record daily events and observations in order to monitor progress in one’s walk of faith. I started doing this several times but never did so on a long-term basis, probably due to my lack of discipline.

Around 2014 I began a new approach to Bible reading in my quiet time. I choose an Old Testament book, read a chapter each day, then take one thought God puts in my mind and in a sentence or two write how it impacts me. Then I go through the book again in the same way (it’s amazing how much I miss the first time around). Not long ago I realized this was a method of journaling which works for me. My intention is to go through the entire Bible in this way. And periodically I’ll go back and reread what I’ve jotted down to see if I’m practicing it.

Many of the psalms composed by King David form a journal of his life’s story. These include prayer when being pursued by Saul (86), thanksgiving for deliverance from foreign enemies (34), confession of his sin surrounding Bathsheba (51) and reflections on his life-long relationship with God (23). I challenge you to read through this books of songs—time and again you’ll be able to identify with David and the other Spirit-inspired authors and your life will be enriched.

King Solomon also left us with his journal—we call it Ecclesiastes. In this book of wisdom he recalls the things he’d experienced trying to find purpose but came to a sad conclusion initially: “Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). (The word “meaningless” appears 40 times in the book.) By the end of his thoughts, however, he recognized the folly of looking for meaning in pleasures and accomplishments and ends his journal with these significant words: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

We can avoid much struggle and heartache by heeding the experiences of this father and son as well as countless others whose stories are recorded in God’s Word (“…Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us….”—Romans 15:4). Let’s let Scripture’s purpose be fulfilled in our lives—and write about it in our own way.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan