SpiriseBible
"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 (KJV)
God commanded Habakkuk to write down what He revealed—not just to hear it, but to record it. Throughout Scripture, we see the power of written records: Moses wrote the Law, David penned psalms, the prophets recorded God's words, and the apostles documented the gospel. Devotional journaling continues this biblical tradition, creating a personal record of God's work in your life that deepens faith and preserves spiritual legacy.
Biblical Foundation for Journaling
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of writing and remembering:
To remember God's works: "And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt" (Exodus 13:3). Writing helps us not forget God's faithfulness.
To pass on truth: "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house" (Deuteronomy 6:7). Journals become spiritual heritage.
To process emotions: The Psalms are essentially David's journal entries: "I pour out my soul in me" (Psalm 42:4). Writing helps us work through feelings with God.
To track growth: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Journals document spiritual progress.
To clarify thoughts: "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:28). Writing organizes scattered thoughts into clarity.
What Devotional Journaling Accomplishes
This simple practice yields profound benefits:
Deepens Scripture engagement: Writing observations about Bible passages forces slower, more thoughtful reading. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart" (Psalm 119:11) happens through meditation and recording.
Enhances prayer life: Written prayers become more focused and specific. You can track answers and see God's faithfulness over time.
Processes life experiences: Journaling helps you see God's hand in daily events. "In every thing give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) becomes easier when you record blessings.
Captures spiritual insights: Those "aha" moments during devotions are easily forgotten without writing them down. "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart" (Proverbs 3:3).
Provides accountability: Reviewing past entries reveals patterns of struggle and victory, helping identify areas needing attention.
Types of Devotional Journaling
Find the style that fits your personality:
- Scripture journaling: Writing verses that speak to you and personal reflections on their meaning
- Prayer journaling: Recording prayers and God's answers
- Gratitude journaling: Daily listing of things you're thankful for
- Study journaling: In-depth notes from Bible study
- Worship journaling: Writing prayers of praise and adoration
- Art journaling: Combining drawings, colors, and words
- Digital journaling: Using apps like SpiriseBible's note features
Practical Journaling Methods
The SOAP Method:
- Scripture: Write out the verse
- Observation: What strikes you about it?
- Application: How does this apply to your life?
- Prayer: Write a prayer response
Three-Column Journal:
- Column 1: Scripture reference
- Column 2: What God is saying
- Column 3: My response/application
Question-Prompted Journaling:
- What did I learn about God today?
- What did I learn about myself?
- What is God calling me to do?
- What am I grateful for?
Overcoming Common Obstacles
Many start journaling but struggle to continue:
"I don't know what to write": Start simple. Copy a verse and write one sentence about why it matters to you.
"I'm not a writer": God cares about your heart, not your grammar. Write as if talking to a friend.
"I don't have time": Even five minutes makes a difference. Quality matters more than quantity.
"I'm inconsistent": Don't let gaps discourage you. Pick up where you left off without guilt.
"It feels repetitive": Try different formats or focus on different aspects of faith each week.
"I'm worried about privacy": Use initials for sensitive topics or digital journals with passwords.
Making Journaling Sustainable
- Choose the right tools: Whether a beautiful leather journal or a simple notebook, use what you'll actually use
- Set realistic goals: Daily is ideal, but weekly is better than never
- Create a routine: Link journaling to existing habits like morning coffee
- Keep it simple: Don't feel pressure to write pages; a paragraph counts
- Review regularly: Monthly or quarterly, read past entries to see growth
- Share selectively: Sometimes sharing an entry encourages others
The Power of Looking Back
One of journaling's greatest values appears over time:
"I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11). When facing new challenges, past entries remind you of God's faithfulness.
Patterns emerge showing spiritual growth, recurring struggles, and God's consistent character. What seemed overwhelming last year might bring gratitude today as you see how God worked.
Your journal becomes a personal book of remembrance: "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him" (Malachi 3:16).
Journaling as Legacy
Your devotional journal can bless future generations:
- Children see your authentic faith journey
- Grandchildren learn how you walked with God
- Fellow believers find encouragement in your struggles and victories
- Your testimony continues speaking after you're gone
"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4). Your journal helps fulfill this calling.
Digital vs. Traditional Journaling
Both have advantages:
Traditional paper journals:
- No distractions from technology
- The physical act of writing aids memory
- Can include drawings and creative elements
- Becomes a tangible keepsake
Digital journals:
- Searchable for finding past insights
- Backed up against loss
- Can include photos and links
- Apps like SpiriseBible integrate with Bible study
Reflection Questions
- What's preventing you from starting or maintaining a devotional journal? How can you overcome this obstacle?
- Looking back on your spiritual journey, what moments do you wish you had recorded?
- How might regular journaling deepen your relationship with God?
Prayer
Lord, You are the Author of life who values written words—Your Word endures forever. Help me see journaling not as another task but as a tool for deeper relationship with You. Give me discipline to record Your faithfulness, wisdom to capture spiritual insights, and honesty to process life with You on paper. May my journal become a testimony to Your goodness that encourages my faith in difficult seasons and blesses others who may read it someday. Help me start simply and continue faithfully. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Start your devotional journal today with these three simple steps: 1) Choose your format (notebook, digital app, or even a simple document). 2) Write today's date and one verse that spoke to you from recent Bible reading. 3) Add three sentences: what the verse means, how it applies to your current situation, and a brief prayer response. Commit to doing this for just one week—you'll be amazed at what God reveals through this simple practice.
