Have you ever kept a journal? Have you ever wondered why people do? Here are five tips about journaling and how you can add this spiritual discipline to your devotional time.

1. Journaling as Discipline. God calls us to obedience and consistency. Writing in a journal can help you be more disciplined. Writing thoughts as you listen to God speak to you from his Word can help you stay focused. Some people journal verse by verse – some read a whole passage and comment on it. Who knows – maybe you will write the next great commentary!

2. Journaling as an art form. The newest way to journal is to be creative – drawing pictures, doing graffiti like lettering, doodling. Not everyone is good at this but if this is your style – go for it. Enjoy the experience not matter how it gets done. If God gifted you with words, use them. With Art, draw your thoughts, If you like to draw cartoons do that. Maybe you write poetry or songs. Go for it. Don’t get stuck doing it like someone else. Be yourself. Make it yours.

3. Journaling as therapy. Writing down your feelings is often helpful in showing us who we are and what things we need to do. When rereading my journals I see patterns of behavior that need changing. I might never have noticed those needs had I not put them in writing. Getting your hurts and heartaches up and out is cathartic – releasing you to grieve and move on. Sometimes you just need to rant. That’s ok too.

4. Journaling your life story. Writing down the events of your life can give you motivation, help you to look toward the future and clarify your dreams. Often we want to keep a record of what our families and children have done. Don’t exclude your own life. What events have made you the way you are, what life changes have brought you to this day. Learn to understand what is keeping you stuck, what motivates you, what you fear.

5. Journaling your prayers. Can’t think of what to write? Write out your prayers. Again, it often helps us to stay in the moment with God if we use more of our senses. Writing is visual and uses our muscles. It helps us to think clearly about what we are saying to God and to ourselves.