The Spiritual Act of Journaling

Dec 11, 2014 The Spiritual Act of Journaling by Rick Warren “The LORD gave me this answer: ‘Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance.’” (Habakkuk 2:2 TEV) If you want to hear God speak, you need to withdraw to a quiet place, wait patiently and expectantly, ask God to give you a picture of what he wants to say to you, and then write down God’s responses to your questions. In the book of Habakkuk, the Lord commands the author to “write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance” (Habakkuk 2:2 TEV). That’s how we got the book of Habakkuk. In chapter one, Habakkuk wrote down what he said to God. And in chapter two, he wrote down what God said back to him. That’s also how we got the book of Psalms; it is David’s quiet time. David meditated on the first five books of the Bible, the Torah, and then he wrote down his thoughts, and they’re called psalms. In many of the psalms, he starts out with what he’s feeling and then ends up with what God says. If your prayer life is stuck in a rut, and you tend to pray the same things over and over —“God, be with this person” or “Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies” — then here’s what you need to do: Start writing out your prayers. “What? You mean I don’t have to say them?” That’s right! Writing them down is a prayer. God can hear it in your thoughts. Just write it down. Is it OK to write out a prayer and then read it? Of course it is. When you’re writing it, you’re praying. When you’re reading it, you’re praying. This is called the spiritual habit of journaling, and it’s one that all Christians should understand and practice. A journal is not a diary. A diary is about the things you did. A journal is about the lessons you learned — the mistakes you made and how you learned from those things. Talk It Over What are different ways of writing things down besides paper and pen that you’re more comfortable with? What has God been teaching you that you can journal about today? Start a prayer by writing down your answers to these questions: What attributes of God do you love? Who in your life needs God’s intervention? How do you need God to provide for you? What can you thank God for today?

What Are You Considering?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body…he did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform."
Romans 4:19-21 NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

Abraham had many obstacles coming against the promise of God in his life. God told him that he would be “the father of many nations.” Abraham was over 90 years old before he ever saw that promise begin to come to pass. This scripture tells us that he didn’t consider his body. He didn’t think and meditate on all the reasons he couldn’t be the father of many nations. No, he considered and thought about the strength and ability of God! He thought about God’s faithfulness and gave praise and glory to Him. Abraham exercised faith which enabled God to move on His behalf. 

What are you believing God for? Does it seem impossible? Is it taking a long time? Consider your God. Consider His Word. Consider His faithfulness. Just like Abraham, you’ll grow strong as you give glory to God. Your faith will open the door for God to move in every area of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and strength at work in my life today. I choose to consider Your ability over my circumstance. I choose to trust You. I give You praise, honor and glory, now and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.

​PS...​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcz9GJ0Ixn8&list=UUwzOdytf9jXwL1mQ1bCutsw