What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of journaling? For me, it’s all the fancy doodling that ladies are so much better at doing than men are. I think of the drawings and calligraphy surrounding the body of what someone writes. I hate to break it to you, but my journaling doesn’t look a thing like that. No doodling and lots of sloppy writing, but thoughts are therapeutically written on a page, and I find great joy and release as I pen these words.
This is a challenging time for me. Let’s face it, many are facing challenges right now they never assumed they would face. When we should be supporting each other, we are more divided than ever. I never thought I would see the day when we were medically divided, but I digress.
Over the last few weeks, I have written about hard decisions I am facing. Frustrations with life and work. Joys of family and church. So much has filled these pages. Fear of the unknown coupled with excitement to step out and do some things that some may ridicule while I know God is opening some unique doors for me to help others while providing for my family.
You may be like me and have a difficult time wording your thoughts to God during certain seasons of life. Right now, I am writing my prayers. I’m still praying, and my concentration during written prayer is so much better. Journaling has brought a depth to my walk with God right now that I have missed for a while.
Maybe it’s time you start writing your thoughts. You might find yourself with greater concentration. The beautiful part about this is that you can look back later and see different things God did and you may easily forget if you don’t record it.
I encourage you to prayerfully consider journaling. I’m not recommending anything fancy. My “journal” currently consists of scrap paper. Don’t worry about the method. Just sit down and pour out your thoughts. If you do, let me know how it goes. If you already do this, drop a testimony in the comment section. Sending my love to you all!
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
I’ve been doing a Bullet Journal method for about 4 years now, and using monthly Word docs for more free-flowing “pour out my heart” thoughts.
Seeing all the artistic Insta posts and Pinterest perfect spreads scare people off has taught me one thing:
Journals should serve your needs, not the other way around. If someone wants to do all that, more power to them… but if all you need is a to-do list or a blank place to jot down your thoughts, that works too.
The benefits of giving yourself room for consideration and expression are far more important than trying to match someone’s style.
Oh sorry – testimony:
Having space to pour out my feelings or put all the jumble of emotions into words can be a great outlet, but can also be another way of wallowing in my frustration or heavy burden.
I try to not just stew in the emotion but also to allow the journaling and contemplation to move in a positive direction, maybe clarifying what I’m really feeling and why, or maybe recognizing when my frustrations are self-inflicted and identifying ways to change.
Journaling is great but I find, for me, definitely need to be careful to intentionally redirect my negative emotion toward a better, godly outcome… maybe a sort of “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
I tend to resolve my issues as I journal. I spew things out on paper and work through them. It has been very helpful.
Definitely. For example, for interpersonal conflicts, having a place to “unload” or to work through all my frustrations allows me to refine my thoughts so that when I talk with the person, I know exactly what I’m trying to address and why. I can come at it with a more calm, clear, positive perspective than if I haven’t worked through that.
I appreciate your thoughts here. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important that it serve the individual’s needs, as you said.
Yeah, I brought that up only because you mentioned the crazy artistic stuff some people do with their journals, and it’s something I’ve definitely seen affect beginners in the Bullet Journal community. “My journal doesn’t look like something I want to post online.”
I mean, I didn’t think that was the point of a journal in the first place! 😂
I’m not the type to post mine online, but I see several people post pictures of theirs on social media. I’ll continue to keep my disorganized mess of a journal that allows me to process. It’s working great for me.
It’s effective therapy, its cheap as well – if that’s a concern. I consider it a deeply spiritual act!
Agreed!
I’ve journaled since I was in elementary school and highly recommend it. A couple years ago, a pastor friend encouraged me to write out my prayers. So, I started addressing each journal entry directly to God as if a letter to Him. It has been really helpful to make this slight change in my journaling and helps me always keep God in mind, even as I pour out my most private thoughts. Thank you for this post!
What a great approach to journaling! I imagine it has given your walk with God a greater depth.
Powerful
Thank you!