Journaling is one of my favorite things to do. Leave me anywhere with a cup of tea, some quiet, a beautiful view, and my journal – and I can sit still for hours, gazing out of the window, writing in my journal, and probably humming.
And for as far as I can remember, I have kept a journal. As a teenager, I remember keeping secret diaries, where I wrote about personal heartaches and my emotional teenage rollercoasters. It’s also in those diaries that I first fell in love with writing. It’s the place my earliest poems called home.
And until today - my journals are still a lifeline. I know, it’s just paper, but it’s a place of safety for me. It’s where I can write down what I’m thankful for, talk to God about my private struggles as well as my deepest desires.
I love this quote from Socrates where he says, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” My interpretation of his words is that a meaningful and fulfilling life will likely not happen without ongoing examination and may I add, adjustment as needed. Every woman is uniquely fashioned by God (Psalm 139:14) and as such our creator is best positioned to walk us through the ongoing process of life examination.
That process of life examination happens through meditation...
And we are encouraged in Psalm 119:11; “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against you.” And again, in Joshua 1:8, that “this book of law shall not depart out of your mouth, meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
Both verses referenced above encourage meditating on God’s Word with every intent on obeying. In the Bible, a few of the more commonly referenced interpretations for the word “meditation” are as follows: thoughtful contemplation, praise and coo/mutter. What one can draw from these word descriptions is that meditation is often not a quiet or passive event, but instead an active engagement of the mind in deeply focusing on one thing for a desired outcome.
Enter Journaling…
Reflective Journaling, just like coloring is a way to actively engage the mind to process life through the lens of God’s Word. Both have enriched my life’s journey and drawn me closer to God as His Word illuminates my path.
And when challenging life seasons come around, a trip to an old journal never fails to renew my resolve to push forward. It renews my hope while reminding me of God’s faithfulness through past seasons of pain and confusion. Using journaling as a tool to examine and make sense of life in light of God’s infallible Word – is a practice I encourage you to try.
Much love to you on your journaling for hope journey!
P.S Start your journaling journey with the 52-prompt I Am Worthy! Journal today!