Journal to Grow

As I’ve been preparing a Bible study on journaling to share at an event this month, I’ve been sharing portions of the study here as well. Click here to read more in this series.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 NLT (bold mine)
Remember the grade school science project of getting a seed to grow roots? I remember my daughter bringing home a little cup with a tiny little sprout. In class, she learned the seed needed light and water so it could grow roots, and she had carefully nurtured that little seed until it poked through the dirt.

The same is true for the roots of our faith. In order to grow, they need to be cared for and nurtured by spending time with God. They need Light and Living Water. And they need the nutrients from God’s Word.

Unlike the seed’s roots, the roots of faith aren’t always visible, and yet as they grow, they can be seen in different ways—how we trust and depend on God, how we love others, how we act and react in difficult situations.

As our roots grow, it changes us. With God, change always starts on the inside—in our hearts. Over time, it shows on the outside, where others can see it. {Tweet this}
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
Where does journaling come in? It’s a way of processing what God is showing us in His Word as we spend time alone with Him.

I love looking back through my journal and notes in my Bible. I can see where I was, what He’s walked me through, and where I am now. It’s written proof of how I’ve learned to listen for Him and how my relationship with Him has grown deeper.

Journaling is a way of spending time with God, not only praying and talking to Him, but listening for His voice. When I hear from Him, I want to remember the moment—what He said and how I felt.

In the Old Testament, God told the prophets to write down everything He told them. (Jeremiah 30:2, Isaiah 30:8-9

Perhaps He’s asking us to do the same.
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8 NLT 
Laura 


6 comments:

  1. Journaling on our faith journey is a great idea Laura. I like to look to back over my journals to see how I've grown in my relationship with the Lord over the years. It also encourages me to see the things the Lord has done and the prayers He has answered. I hope and pray the class you're teaching goes well. :)

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  2. I love to read journals from past studies! Love Psalm 27:8. ♥

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  3. Thanks for the worksheet. I am a long time journaler and appreciate the value of this spiritual practice.

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  4. Great reminder! I often forget how much I love to journal. Sometimes we just need to sit down and do it and God will meet us there! So glad to be visiting from #HeartEncouragement

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  5. Thanks for this journal Laura. I may have to try this one week instead of my notebooks. Have a fantastic weekend and may God bless you and yours in all your endeavors.

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  6. I so admire journalers because I have never been much of one. I have gone in spurts, and truly love to write my inspirations from God, and tons of comments in the margins of my Bible, but true journaling ... no. You make me want to try again, though, Laura :-) What a powerful option for so many!!! Thanks so much for sharing hope with us at #MomentsofHope!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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