GETTING TO KNOW GOD:  KEEPING A JOURNAL

TEXT:  "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." - Habakkuk 2:2

I want to begin by honestly stating that keeping a journal has not been a strong area of my life.  However, recently I have come to realize how important a journal really is.  A properly kept journal can help a believer in his spiritual growth.

Let me clarify something.  A diary and a journal are not the same thing.  A diary is a regular record of events.  A journal, on the other hand, usually focuses on feelings, observations and lessons learned.  A diary is often impersonal but a journal very personal & gives a person the opportunity to record spiritual insights.  Without a journal, many experiences will be forgotten, lessons will be lost and insight will simply drift away.

There are many people who feel uncomfortable about keeping a journal.  That is fine.  Many aren't writers and feel out of place when they must write about personal matters. 

For my own sake, I can see the need to keep a record of special events and lessons learned.  I keep Bible study lessons, sermon content and quotes that I love.  I do this for my benefit.

Let me share a few things about keeping a spiritual journal:

1.              JOURNALING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

As I mentioned before, this spiritual discipline is beneficial for only certain people.  Nevertheless, there may be certain elements of journaling that you may like to implement.

2.            JOURNALING SHOULD NOT BECOME STALE

Journaling for the sake of journaling is not fruitful.  You should journal when the timing is right.  Just filling out a page is not the goal of journaling.  Don't get legalistic with journaling.

3.            JOURNALING SHOULD INCLUDE GOOD CONTENT

I know that some keep notes as the pastor preaches.  Perhaps they hear a quote, an applicable lesson or a timely word for their need.  There is nothing wrong with this.  Others keep Bible study notes from the classes they attend.  That is great, too.  Most of the content of a journal will come through personal Bible reading and the events of life.  Many people use a spiritual journal to write out prayers to God.  Technically, there is no right or wrong way to keep a spiritual journal.  You shouldn't keep a journal because "everyone else is doing it."  You should keep a journal if you feel comfortable doing so, you feel that it will benefit you spiritually, and you have the means to keep such a journal.

4.         TAKE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR JOURNAL

Occasionally, take time to read from past journal entries.  Depending on how often you write in your journal, you may choose to review your journal once a week, once a month or a few times a year.  It takes time to read through a journal, so give yourself plenty of time to do this.  Reading old journal entries may help you to remember things you may have forgotten.  Reading old journal entries can refresh your spirit!

Practically speaking, a journal may take many forms.  You may use a journal notebook that is sold at most stores (such as Dollar General).  Like me, you may prefer to record your thoughts on a computer word processor (such as Word).  Then again, you may choose to use a three-ring composition notebook.  Regardless of the type of journal you use, be true to yourself as you write in it.

If you're not sure if you should keep a journal or not, give it a try for a few weeks.  It may be just the beginning of something wonderful that will help you greatly as you get to know God better.