Last January I was sick with bronchitis for over two weeks and missed ten days of work. It was a blessing. During that period of time, I sought the Lord, and the growth I have experienced this year in my walk with Him as a result of that time is amazing to me. One of the reasons I can look back with such certainty that I have grown is the journal I have kept and this blog God directed me to write. Though my blog has had no specific time schedule, and I wish I had time to write more frequently, I have twenty entries, counting this one. I feel like that’s a good start to something that happened pretty spontaneously.
As I look back in the journal I kept, I can see that God has been working in my life. Although I did not write daily, many scriptures are recorded, my ups and downs are documented, and God’s specific words to me are written down. I have a deep longing and need for God’s assurance and love, and He repeatedly provides these to me, not only through His Word, but through my own words. I have often re-read the pages of my journal and marveled at what I have written. Sometimes, as I re-read, I find it hard to believe the words on the page are mine. The blogs and poetry themselves are evidence of God’s inspiration. They have encouraged me of God’s love and presence in my life.
God has provided not only assurance of His love but also assurance that I am on the path He has destined for me. It is easy to lose sight of that sometimes in the midst of life’s daily activities and responsibilities. God has designed my path, and despite any struggles or hardships, I am where He wants me to be.
Though I have kept journals in the past, they have not been as extensive as the one I kept this year. But using a journal in the quest to get to know God more intimately has been beneficial. If you are looking for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, I encourage you to buy a spiral notebook and begin 2013 by writing during your personal devotion time.
I’m not expert, and I’m sure there are many sources of information on this topic, but here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
• Don’t worry if you can’t write every day or if you don’t write very much.
Start slowly, and soon you will find your pen can hardly keep up with your
thoughts.
• Start by recording specific verses that speak to you. Perhaps dissect those
verses by writing them in your own words. Consult a dictionary to dig into the
meaning of a key word.
• Record your thoughts. God will begin speaking to you. Record what He says so
you will be able to re-visit God’s words to you when you are in need of
encouragement or direction.
I know that if I had not recorded all that God has spoken to me this year, I would not remember it. Reading my journal has reminded me of those times when I really connected and heard specifically from God about a particular need. It has encouraged me to seek Him further and solidified my confidence in God’s ability to speak to us individually and clearly in our times of need. It has encouraged me to claim God’s promises. It has made scripture and its personal application even more real in my life. I anticipate that as I continue this process, I will continue to “work out my own salvation” (Philippians 2:12) and grow closer to God.
So, grab a pen and a notebook and get to know God. Which reminds me—my notebook is full; I need to get a new one myself.