*Post updated September 2022
As a child, I loved to write. I wrote letters to pen pals, elaborate stories, and journaled. Then, sometime in my teen years, I stopped. Partially because I was busy and consumed with friends, sports, school, and a part-time job.
On the other hand, I was subconsciously comparing myself to others’ writing. Even though most of what I wrote was for my own enjoyment, a lie swooped in that said my writing was no longer good enough. I read books and articles by other talented authors, and I decided that my words didn’t have as much to offer.
Several years ago, I wanted to start journaling again, specifically as a part of my prayer time in the morning with God. But every time I attempted to write, I believed my haphazard chicken scratch just wasn’t worth the effort.
Then, I had an ‘aha’ moment where I saw clearly all the heavy expectations and goals of perfection I had placed on my writing.
I realized that these were not beneficial to me, nor were they anything the Lord was telling me. I chose to lower the bar and throw away the comparisons. I decided to write simply just to write.
I could write because I had a pen and paper and thoughts. I could write because it brought me joy. I could write because God said I could.
My daily journaling habit was birthed because I chose to listen to the Lord instead of the lies the enemy was feeding me.
Writing as Worship
I am grateful for all the other writers who chose to write even when they felt less than, were unsure what to say, or were caught in the comparison trap.
Writers like Moses, David, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul, who acknowledged their imperfections, were honest with God through their words, and chose to write it all out anyway.
God cares about and often uses the act of writing to accomplish His work here on earth. Much of my own spiritual growth is attributed to the written work of biblical authors. It was their writing that eventually became the 66 books of divinely inspired writing we get to turn to every single day to hear from the Lord.
Even in their weaknesses, comparisons, and insecurities, God used the words they wrote to bring glory back to Himself, and the writers were blessed for their obedience.
We receive blessings from every word penned in scripture.
Every minute we spend in His Word has power. Choosing to write Scripture can increase our knowledge, memorization, and understanding of what He’s trying to communicate to us.
Our written thoughts, feelings, ideas, and prayers can also be blessed by God. Whether they are copied directly from scripture, or they are jumbled thoughts and prayers that spill onto your paper, the words you write in your journal are a beautiful gift. They are a tangible record of God’s faithfulness as you turn back to previous entries and see how He has answered the prayers and questions you penned weeks, months, and years prior.
How to use the Word to guide your journaling:
1. Gather your supplies. This is an inexpensive activity that only requires a Bible (or a Bible app), a notebook, and a pen.
2. Pray. This is an opportunity for you to connect with the Lord! Lay down your expectations of what journaling “should” look like and give God your focused time. This is between you and Him – you are free.
3. Choose a passage from the Word. I prefer 2-4 verses at a time. Begin to write it out, word for word onto your page.
4. Explore. Find a dictionary, look up the main words of the passage, and write their definitions. Do the same with another translation of the same passage. Slow down and uncover new details.
5. Get curious. What thoughts or questions are coming to the surface? Write them down.
6. Pray again. Bring your thoughts, questions, and insights to God.
7. Listen. Quiet down the chatter in your mind and be ready to receive insight from God.
8. Apply. Don’t just leave these words on the page. Put them into practice. Everything we learn from the Word is meant to increase the love we have for God and for others. Turn that knowledge into love and love into action.
Hayley Farris (Platoon 25) lives in southern Minnesota, is married to a handsome soldier, and has four amazing kids. As the leader of the early childhood ministry at her church and the owner of Ten Four Wellness, she is passionate about sharing the good news of the gospel in her home and community.
2 Responses
Thank you for your words. I just finished my third book and am about to have it printed. It has been a struggle for many reasons. One being I felt I was not good enough and no one would want to hear my thoughts.
If one life is blessed by this book, then it will be worth all the time and effort put into it.
Be blessed.
Congrats, Tonya! You are a writer! Thank you for sharing! 🙂