One of a Christian’s most fundamental and treasured activities is daily Bible reading. Nevertheless, others may find it difficult to form this habit or to discover fresh methods of engaging with the Scriptures, especially in volumes that are dense with genealogy, puzzling prophecies, intricate Old Testament customs, and so on.
However, journaling in the Bible may be a helpful tool for increasing interest and retention when reading the Bible. Curious about the specifics? Start your Bible journaling journey right here!
What Is Bible Journaling?
Keeping a Bible journal is a fun approach to exploring the Bible. It all starts in the Bible’s margins and has the power to revolutionize your devotional time.
Bible journaling provides a fresh way to apply the time-honored practice of reading the Bible. Having God’s Word written down allows you to visually absorb it, reflect on it, and commit it to memory. To some, journaling is a personal expression of commitment; to others, it is a practice of worship; and to still others, it is a form of artistic expression that you may share with others.
The brilliance of the Bible journaling concept is that it may be practiced by everyone, regardless of artistic ability. It doesn’t matter how you choose to engage with God and the Bible; only that you do.
Why Should You Start Bible Journaling
Since the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, how many people have taken up journaling?
Those who have started writing, either physically or digitally, at this time have realized the many advantages of doing so. The approach and discipline of journaling may enhance our thinking, strengthen our memory, develop our writing abilities, and inspire creativity, whether we’re using it to document personal occasions, organize our ideas on a particular subject, or reflect on what’s occurring in the world in general. There is also the advantage of passing on our knowledge to future generations.
The extra value of journaling inside the pages of Bible-related publications has heavenly guidance and direction for our musings. We can take notes on sermons, journal our thoughts as we read, and even make art in response to the eternal words of Scripture as we attempt to integrate the principles into our lives. These exercises allow us to understand the text better and develop as spiritual beings.
The Psalmist’s words provide more encouragement when we contemplate writing as a legacy for our loved ones:
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.” – Psalm 145:4-6
Bible Journaling Ideas For Spiritual Growth
So, how do we get the most out of our time spent in Bible journals? Let’s examine the three best prospects for these unique pursuits.
Taking Notes
Keeping a Bible journal in which one may record thoughts on Bible passages or jot down notes from sermons is a great method to deepen one’s relationship with the Word of God. You can enrich journaling by engaging in other spiritual disciplines like listening to preaching, reading supplementary resources that provide light on the text, and debating Scripture in small groups. When you sit down to put pen to paper, keep these tried-and-true strategies in mind.
- Outlining. As you study the original text’s construction, noting its portions in your journal will let you grasp how the Bible’s literary genres express meaning.
- Summarizing. Journaling about specifics and summarizing lengthy paragraphs will spark your memory when you reread or discover new excerpts. This includes laying down definitions and detailing lessons and characteristics.
- Linking. Ideas, stories, and people emerge in diverse Bible settings. Linking these elements in your diary reveals Scripture’s connectivity and harmony.
- Question and Response. Consider penning “wondering” questions in your diary to ponder over time. If you find answers, jot them down.
Personal Response
It’s a worthwhile cause to consider how you process the narratives and lessons of God’s Word and how they affect you personally. Here are some methods to get more emotionally invested in what you’re reading in the Bible as you seek to apply it to your life.
Respond through the lens of your life.
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5). God intimately understands us and has excellent plans for all of us. The Bible stays the same, but how we interpret it varies as our lives do. As you record your answers to your insights, consider how these lessons have changed over time. You may do the same when you return your writing in months or years.
Respond through the lens of your faith.
“Cause me to understand your precepts that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds,” (Psalm 119:127). You may accomplish this when you study God’s Word. As you write, send him praise, passion, and questions. As you study, return to these sentences and note your new knowledge.
Respond through the lens of others.
We think about our loved ones often. As you study Scripture, pray for, enlighten, and inspire others. Note in your diary those whose hearts God’s Word may impact. Read and write with love. Matter of fact, “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 1:5).
Creative Acknowledgement
Keeping a Bible journal is a great way to record your thoughts and feelings about the Bible and an outlet for your creative expression. Individual expression can range from writing to making art on notebook pages. Also, it’s possible to include many concepts at once. You may get fresh insights as you engage different brain regions and explore new thinking pathways in response to God’s Word.
Reading Aloud
Many are shocked when they read aloud. Hearing the Bible is different than reading it. Something changes when the prophets, psalms, or Jesus’ words are read aloud. After reading aloud, jot down any new insights.
Creative Writing
Composing poetry, creating prayers, capturing hymn lyrics related to Scripture, or other creative writing increases your understanding of God and his story.
Making Art
Let your creativity go free as you doodle or color in reaction to the Bible. Use color and form to show how you feel when you read and comprehend the meanings of the Word for the very first or fiftieth time.
Remember To Stay True To God And Yourself
Because you and God are the only readers of your journal, you should feel safe sharing anything and everything with them. God understands your heart, and what you genuinely need, so it is time to become acquainted with it and be honest. If you have problems comprehending a passage or verse, do not be afraid to ask questions and observe as your knowledge of the word increases.
Do you conduct your daily life following God’s word? Are you actively applying the teachings you gain from the Bible to your daily existence? By carefully considering these issues, you might get insight into what parts of your walk with God need the most attention as you develop.
The practice of Bible journaling is a wonderful method to deepen your involvement with the Christian community by putting into practice the truths you discover in the Bible. We can gain much by implementing the teachings we learn from Bible chapters to progress in our lives. Begin a Bible journal today to deepen your connection with God as you read his Word, and keep in mind that you are free to use any medium you like (including writing and drawing) to express yourself.
