Is there value in Christian journaling?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not prescribe, or even mention, journaling. Thus it is certainly not a requirement, but many believers find it to be a useful and fruitful habit. Writing out our prayers and recording God's answers, addressing God through a sort of Christian diary, jotting down spiritual truths and times when we see God at work, and keeping a written record of important sermon notes or teachings from a book, are all helpful and valuable forms of Christian journaling. We are instructed to seek wisdom (Proverbs 4) and to focus and be steadfast (Proverbs 4:20–26). Writing down our thoughts or notes can help us to do this.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Several Old Testament figures built altars of some kind at meaningful places to mark the work God had done there or the encounter they’d had with Him (Genesis 28:18–22; 1 Samul 7:12).
• The Israelites were specifically instructed to gather stones from the Jordan river to serve as a reminder of God’s parting the waters so they could cross (Joshua 4:4–7).
• God instituted various festivals and holy days for people to have places and times set aside to remember His goodness and holiness (Exodus 12:14–20; Leviticus 23; Deuteronomy 16:16–17). They also served to teach subsequent generations (Exodus 13:3–10) and as a foreshadowing of Christ.
• The Psalms, many written by David, record a person’s relationship and dealings with God—much like a journal, though more poetic than most (Psalm 23; 51).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Luke wrote to preserve knowledge and clarity, which can be a reason for journaling—capturing our thoughts to better understand and reflect on God’s work in our lives (Luke 1:3–4).
• Journaling can serve as a way to record personal reflections and spiritual lessons, much like how the Scriptures preserve wisdom for us (Romans 15:4).
• Journaling can be a tool for personal growth, helping us to reflect on God’s Word and teachings (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The goal of what we learn is to impact not just our thinking but our hearts and minds (James 1:22). Journaling can help us with this.
• Repetition of truth is valuable (Philippians 3:1). Journaling allows us to repeatedly reflect on God's faithfulness, which can strengthen our faith.
• Writing is one way of recording God’s revelations to us, keeping track of what God is doing in our lives, and understanding His purposes. These can be important in seeking wisdom (James 1:5), knowing how to best use our time (Ephesians 5:14–16), examining ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5), and reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 13:5–8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we are in a valley spiritually, or a dry place as it is sometimes described, journaling can also help us there. Journaling during our experience may help us process it and will keep us looking to God. We can also look back on past journals and see how God has brought us through difficult seasons before. When the hard season passes, we can see God's patience with us and His faithfulness throughout every season of our lives.

UNDERSTAND

• Journaling helps us focus on what God is teaching us through His Word, in our lives, or in sermons.
• Journaling helps us pour out our hearts to God as the psalmists did.
• Journaling helps us remember what God has done.

REFLECT

• How can journaling help you stay focused on what God is teaching you in your daily life?
• How does writing out prayers or thoughts help you process difficult thoughts or emotions? If journaling does not help, what does?
• How could journaling enhance your ability to reflect on God's faithfulness in both the good and hard times?

ENGAGE

• Many people learn best by writing down lessons and insights. Some Christians keep a joy or gratitude journal. Others write down one way they see God at work in or around them each day. To look back through any of these types of journals is to remember God's goodness to you and grow in your faith that He will be good to you again. How might journaling help us remember God's work in our lives and grow in our faith?
• What are some practical ways we can use journaling to pour out our hearts to God, like the psalmists did?
• How can keeping a journal of God’s revelations and answers to prayers serve as an encouragement to others in our faith community?