Too often the use of a journal has been dismissed as feminine, “something you do when you need counseling,” or too time consuming. But with a bit of reflection (which is all journaling is) we might come to a different conclusion.
Many of the great figures in church history kept a journal, and the church has benefited greatly from this window into their daily life (not as a voyeur, but to understand what spiritual greatness looks like in the day-to-day mundaneness). And while not a theologian, the great Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
If you are interested in starting the exercise of journaling, let me offer the following suggestions. Journal after you do your daily prayers for Bible study. Do not feel compelled to write something every day. Do not write for an audience; write for your benefit and as it comes naturally for you. If you feel that a physical Bible study is too much for you, you could also opt to search online various Church Resources that are often used by people to foster the knowledge and love of God in their busy lives!
When you begin with your journal consider the following subjects and review them annually in your journal.
- What are the top 5 values by which I want to operate my life?
- What do I believe are my spiritual gifts and talents? What are my characteristic weaknesses?
- What are the key relationships in my life? What are my goals for each of these relationships?
- How would I ideally spend the 168 hours I get each week (7/24 hour days)?
As for the journal entries that you write after these core reflections are in place, consider the following exercises:
- Self-examination based upon one of your top 5 values.
- A point of conviction regarding sin or a spiritual practice.
- Reflection on a day’s event in light of your “life story.” These are great for sharing later with spouse, children, or grandchildren as a discipling moment or family heirloom.
- A personal goal for change and steps of implementation. This is a particularly good subject to record after an insightful Bible study or sermon.
- A prayer in the form of a letter regarding a key life concern.
- An answer to prayer.
- A narrative of a key life event from younger days and the impact you see that it has had upon you.
- Insight from your daily Bible study.
- A humorous event.
- Sermon notes with your reflections.
The beautiful thing about journaling is that you are doing it for you and only you. Everyone is different and as such, everyone will write about different things and with different purposes. You could keep your journal for years to come afterwards (although you may want to put it onto a computer and then print it online through a business like Printivity) so that you can come back to it and revisit it, or you could discard of it as soon as you have written it so the therapeutic process is simply writing it down and getting it off your chest. It’s completely up to you as the individual.
I encourage you to consider this practice. Many have found it as an immensely profitable way to (1) maintain a focus on their purpose in life, (2) increase the level of intentionality with which they live; (3) enhance the depth of their relationships, especially marriage and family; (4) measure progress and gain encouragement in their walk with God; and (5) remember God’s faithfulness during times that are difficult.
Brad serves as the Pastor of Counseling at The Summit Church inDurham, NC. He also serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, has authored several books including God’s Attributes: Rest for Life’s Struggles, and served as general editor for the Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused (churchcares.com) project.
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