She cried out desperately in her pain. Calling to the Lord, she laid bare her struggles and fears. She acknowledged His faithfulness and sovereignty in her life, even through theses trials. She was clinging to the Lord God as to a lifeline.
She was me, nine years ago.
Reading back through my prayer journal, I was struck at my utter desperation and dependance on the Lord. I addition, I saw all that He had done in my life. Little things. Things I had forgotten and would never remember again, save for the words written on the page.
I saw the Lord’s faithfulness in my life; His promises fulfilled:
-I will never leave you or forsake you
-You are precious in my sight and I love you
-My grace is sufficient for you.
These memorial stones help me remember the ordinary and extraordinary. My words recorded on the page allow me to look back and see Jesus – in the good times and in the bad. He is there. Jehovah Shama1.
Average days, boring most times. Yet, they are preserved as a legacy and testament to what God has done for me. I can share these stories with others. But only if I record them. Putting pen to paper makes them memorable, not forgettable. It makes them concrete, not a vapor.
Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord. Psalm 102:18 NLT
A friend recently told me “No, I don’t want to talk about that right now. I don’t want to think about that.” But sometimes we must. Journaling records our memories and helps sort through our emotions. Journaling can bring clarity.
The act of hand writing my prayers and journal entries is one way I process events unfolding in my life. Slowing down to write out my thoughts helps me to think more deeply about them. Recording them in a purposeful way opens my eyes to see how I may be reacting, or over reacting! On one occasion, journaling helped me see the “other side” of a story, and filled me with compassion, replacing the anger that I had felt.
Open up my understanding to the ways of your wisdom and I will meditate deeply on your splendor and your wonders. Psalm 119:27 TPT
A prayer journal can help keep us focused on God’s Word. If a scripture causes us to pause, we can explore why. Writing out our questions helps us slow down and hear what He may be saying.
“When I record in a journal my meditations on a passage of scripture, I can follow more closely the still, small voice of God as He Speaks through the text.”2
Am I a prolific journaler? No, indeed. It’s really hit or miss with me. That’s why I record many daily events in my prayer journal. I jot down a phrase or two about what has happened, just as a reminder to me what was going on in my world during that season. Often, I jot a “tweet length” description in my planner, and go back every week or so and expand and expound on those notes in my journal.
Making memories, one tweet at a time!
What is your preferred method of journaling? Or recording what the Lord has done in your life? Leave a message, I’d love to hear!
Grace be with you,
1 Ezekiel 48:35
2 Whitney, Donald S., Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, NavPress 1991, page 209
Oh wow, Ellen. Such truth. I encourage you to get the book YOUR STORY MATTERS by Leslie Leyland Fields. The book will be out soon. She did the 4 day writing workshop I attended in October. It is God’s direction indeed for your story. Blessings.
Linda, I am going to look up this book now! Thanks friend!!
What a coincidence … I started journaling about a week ago……just decided to give it a try
Wow! Check out the book “How to Keep a Spiritual Journal” by Ron Klug. I read it years ago and am re-reading it now. Also, the comment below. Linda recommends a book! Keep it up! It matters!
PS – Pretty journal and Sharpie pens help keep me journaling 🙂
Yes! We made a journal in my Bible study class! It is so pretty, and I use colored pens. So fun, and it does bring a deeper intimacy with Jesus, and brings clarity like you say.
That sounds like fun! Journaling helps us slow down in this fast paced world! Pretty paper and pens are a bonus! Thanks for stopping by my sweet friend!!