‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.
Jeremiah 30:2
My mind flashed back to Dr. Charles Stanley’s words in my book RedLight: When God Says No.
The visiting pastor John Bonner talked about goals. If it’s a goal that requires a financial investment, clarity, direction or other, we should begin with prayer – present our requests to the lord.
He encouraged the congregants to journal. I listened carefully capturing each point. Afterall, I pondered whether his points differed from Charles Stanley’s.
Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson
Journaling provides many benefits. Among the reasons are 5 keys listed below.
Journaling Benefits
1. Journaling measures your growth
Journaling is a Faith filler to see how God worked in your life.
2. Journaling Records God’s faithfulness
3. Worship God when you receive answered prayer
4. Journaling provides a Legacy for prosperity
What to Include in a Journal
We can write ad hoc things that are on our mind. Emptying our mind of cares and worries is traditional but the pastor went deeper. He opined that we should include:
- Insights on God’s promises
- Prayers requests – things we desire of the lord. We ask specifically for what we want. Sometimes it’s not clearly articulated or known to us but we voice our confusions as we seek clarity and his direction
- We should include our Bible study notes. These are Whatever became clear as we do our daily devotions, attend church, listen to the word, worship and prayed
- We should include acquaintances and special events. Whats gleaned that sparks words of comfort, praise or curiosity. The song by Elevation Music titled in the mighty name of Jesus is an example for me. It came at the right time. Another was Travis Greene’s You Made a Way
What Not to include in Journaling
It was surprising to me that he discouraged us from including sins and failures in our journal. Afterall the lord forgave us of our (confessed) sins. Recording them only brings back memories that we need to walk away from and focus on those great things he has done or have in store for us.
In summary, as Jen Williamson encouraged, journaling is not only life changing but life expanding. A tool that encourages transformation. So journal with God.
Not journaling? Start today. If you have been journaling, what benefits have you gleaned? Do share, we would love to hear.
RESOURCES
HUDSON Taylor – read how lord used his published journal
GREENLiGHT 