Hey there! Let’s talk about how to journal as a Christian in this post! As you know, journaling is a personal and spiritual practice that helps you reflect on your faith journey. It involves writing down and examining your experiences while communicating with God through your words.
Journaling is a wonderful way to help you move closer to your goals!
It gives you a structured space to reflect on your life progress, clarify what you truly want, and spot any challenges that might pop up along the way. When, I veer off my intended course without fully realizing it until I journal.
As you put pen to paper, you can break down those big dreams into smaller, bite-sized tasks, making it fun to track your little wins.
Journaling also creates a fantastic sense of accountability and commitment as you document your activities and behaviors.
This makes it so much easier to stay focused and inspired! All in all, journaling can be an invaluable companion on your path to personal and professional growth.
Journaling is not new, either; people have been journaling for generations.
I looked around on the web, and it seemed several historical figures had been journaled. Some include:
- Marie Curie (Random: Greer Carson played her in an excellent old movie called Madame Curie)
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Anne Frank
- Mark Twain
- Winston Churchill
- Frida Kahlo
- Virginia Woolf
I could go on and on.
Okay. I will add one last one. According to the website CreateWriteNow.com (clever name!), a famous man I’m sure you heard of who writes journal entries is the millionaire and businessman Warren Buffett.
I’m not sure any of them were interested in how to journal as a Christian, but they journaled just the same.
Check out my e-book on on journaling.
Christian journaling …
When you journal as a Christian woman, you set aside a chunk of time from your day to explore your feelings and even your faith.
Learning how to journal as a Christian allows you to document your faith journey and grow closer to God. This practice can be a powerful spiritual tool for analyzing your thoughts and prayers.
You can also use the time to ponder biblical teachings, express gratitude to the Lord, and/or write down your prayers!
In my mind, journaling is also about seeking guidance in daily life while also cultivating a super safe space to address doubts and challenges.
How journaling helped me with my grief…
As grief enveloped (almost drowned) me last year, the practice of journaling gave me strength and helped me understand what I was feeling.
Sometimes I’d talk to God.
Other times, I’d write prayers.
Still, sometimes I would just free-write raw emotions – which was scary but oh so healing.
Grief was not the precipice for my journaling.
I’ve actually been doing it for years.
Ever since I wrote my “kiddie” thoughts in my little white imitation (with the gold lock) leather diary as a sixth grader.
I have no idea what happened to that one.
To this day, I have the journals I wrote as a young woman. Although, some I’ve burned. hehe
In fact, one journal entry convinced me to marry my husband. If you want to know how, let me know in the comments.
Journaling is powerful indeed.
I realized so much about the Lord’s will for my life as I witnessed how my thoughts and prayers evolved over time.
I’m not a journaling expert, but then again, no one is!
There is no one way to journal.
It is a personal thing deeply rooted in individual experiences and emotional processing.
It’s all about allowing a person to express their thoughts and feelings in a unique way that resonates with them.
How could one cookie “cut” that? You can’t.
Journaling is your personal ” thing, ” whether through writing, drawing (Oh, I wish I could draw!), or some other form of expression.
Journaling is also a therapeutic and spiritual outlet for reflection and Christian meditation.
A fantastic experience and
exhaustive journaling resource:
What Journaling is NOT
In my opinion, journaling is not simply a mere recording of daily events or a task to tick off on a to-do list.
While some people would find that incredibly fulfilling, most would not. That is something that happens in your Microsoft Outlook calendar or Outlook tasks—not in your journal.
At least, that is my opinion.
Christian journaling goes beyond simple life recording; it focuses on personal reflection and emotional understanding.
View it as a container for your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.
Please eliminate the notion that journaling is about perfection or neat handwriting.
No way!
You don’t need to have any eloquence or artistic flair to journal.
Lord knows if it did, I’d be totally unable to do it.
Instead of all that, simply bring your authenticity and vulnerability to your Christian journaling.
Make it your safe haven to express yourself freely without fear of judgment.
Ultimately, journaling is not an obligation either.
Who says you have to journal every single day?
I don’t.
However, I do it regularly.
How often does it matter because journaling is not about comparing my way to yours?
If you assign a timetable to your journaling, it loses some of its wonder.
It becomes another thing you “have” to do, like cleaning the kitchen or brushing your teeth.
That’s what I think based on my experience.
How to Journal as a Christian: A Guide to Deepening Your Faith
In this blog post, we will explore journaling as Christians, emphasizing the importance of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth.
Again, there is no singular or one way to do a journal as a Christian. It’s an individual thing.
However, what I want you to do is think about your purpose for journaling.
Do you want to record your thoughts?
Create accountability for new habits?
Free-write to see what is in your heart?
Challenge yourself to complete goals?
Track a list of things you have to do?
Record significant memorials of what God is doing in your life?
Maybe you want to track answered prayers?
Every time you write, you have a chance to reflect on your spiritual life and deepen your relationship with God.
What is it you want to accomplish with your journal?
I cannot present how to journal as a Christian without encouraging you to have an overarching goal for your journaling process.
Personally, I journal to help me understand myself and what God is doing in my life. I also want to “get stuff” out of my head so I can release it.
Does this resonate with you in any way?
If not, what is the purpose of your journaling process?
You also will want to contemplate what your overall life purpose it. This could coincide with how you choose to journal. Read my post on this Christian lifestyle blog and explore more about the process.
A Sample Journal Page
As I mentioned, journaling is personal.
But if you’re looking for a sample journal page to help you on your journey of discovering how to journal as a Christian woman, I’ve got you covered!
Remember when I said I’m not a journaling expert? Well, I’m not.
But here is a journal I am using for my personal reflection right now. I punch holes in each page and put them in a large binder. Download free.
Feel free to download it below.
About the first column
I wanted to set two goals. That’s all I need to do right now.
In this season of recovering from losing my mom, brother, and job, I keep my goals simple and minimal.
Healing mode is what I am in.
During the last couple of years, I have accomplished more than some people have accomplished in a lifetime.
I managed my mom’s affairs, took care of her, was her emotional support as dementia stole her identity, managed a senior training position at work, acquired a graduate degree, and more.
Yes, Girl, this season is about recouping my own identity and healing from loss.
Two goals are enough for me.
You’ll notice on my journaling sheet, directly under my goals, I try to record what contributed to any success.
It’s a crucial part of my reflection process.
A fabulous YouTuber Inspired me!
Have you heard of a YouTube channel called Flourished Hope?
If not, oh, you must check her out if you want to know how to journal.
From her, I got the idea of filling in the small circles to indicate my progress toward my goals.
Refer to the left side of my journaling sheet.
You can fill it in halfway, completely, or just a very little bit. Some days, there is nothing there because I did nothing.
Oh well. *sigh*
Anyhoo, Flourished Hope, the YouTuber who owns the channel, is a Christian, but she mostly vlogs about journaling.
Warning: she has one of the most calming voices online. A few times watching her, I fell asleep! Not because she is boring. No. It was because she was so calming. :)
The “What I accomplished today” Area
I intentionally put on my journal sheet areas to record my successes.
This is uber important to me.
Recording accomplishments in a journal is like giving yourself a high-five in a document!
Have you noticed how easy it is to forget your achievements when life gets busy?
Writing them down helps you celebrate those wins—big or small.
When you’re feeling stuck or down, you can look back at your journal for reminders of your achievements!
You will find it to be proof that you’re growing, learning, and crushing it in ways you might not even realize.
“Whatever is of a good report…”
I skipped the thoughts section, which is self-explanatory.
The lower middle column is all about focusing on the things you want to praise God for on any given day.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Phil 4:8-9
Writing about the good things God has done keeps you positive. It also keeps you connected to Him because it reminds you that He is at work. At least that is my experience.
Otherwise, you might think too highly of yourself than you ought.
The “Bible Study Takeaways” section
You should read your Bible every single day. Duh.
As you do, I’m sure you’re taking notes.
But how much do you remember at the end of the day?
The section on the top right is about testing your memory a bit.
Here, you will record the impressions and lessons you’ve learned during your personal Bible study.
I love doing this because I often need to be reminded of the biblical themes of what I read that morning.
This part reminds me of Priscilla Shire’s 5 Ps of Bible study. I wrote a post about it, and I still do it!
You can read my thoughts and process here.
I love that I have the area on my sheet. It’s my favorite part to journal and record.
Okay.
If this is my favorite part of my journaling page, then the next part is my least because it involves work. hehe
My To-Do’s
While I don’t want my journal full of things I must do, I list my top three priorities for the next day.
Then, I turn the page back and cross it out.
Writing down your priorities in your journal gives you clarity!
It helps you cut through the chaos and focus on what truly matters.
Sometimes, the way I write my priorities correlates to my goals [on the left].
But, most of the time, my task list is super generic, like buying more Dawn Powerwash.
This section helps me feel somewhat productive.
I believe when you see your priorities in black and white (or whatever color pen you’re using), it’s easier to stay on track and avoid getting caught up in distractions.
Plus, there is something so satisfying about checking things off this area the next day.
I take back what I said earlier. It is good to cross out something you’ve gotten done of the day.
Finally, Christians do not “manifest”anything!!!
Some people of a new age “beliefs” believe that journaling is part of creating the “reality” you want.
No. No. No.
Christians do not manifest anything. Instead, we trust God to direct our paths and guide our steps. He is the one who manifests what we need and what is good for us.
If this bothers you, I challenge you to grow in your knowledge of biblical principles.
Be honest. If you could manifest something in your life, you would not go through any of the hard times that build strength and spiritual resolve.
The whole manifesting situation is about creating what YOU want in your life. The truth of the matter is you DON’T know what you want. You don’t want tension.
Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Listen, if you could choose to “manifest” something, you would not even learn to be patient.
When you try to control God’s plan, you are rebellious. You are trying to take God’s place, and that is a dangerous place.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” Proverbs 3:5, 6
At this moment, I have a faith board. It has lots of things on it that I would like to happen, but it is up to God. That is part of making my request known – not “creating” something.
Philippians 4:6-7 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God...”
Leave the pagan ways to the ungodly.
Well, that’s how you journal as a Christian (or at least one way to do it)
I hope I’ve demonstrated that journaling as a Christian woman enhances your relationship with God by allowing you to express your thoughts, prayers, and reflections.
You can write about your blessings, struggles, and spiritual growth alongside verses and prayers.
This awesome practice will boost your faith, Christian Woman, and help you work through your feelings with a biblical twist.
Give it a try, and please let me know if you’re a journaler! I’d love to hear tips and feedback!
Want to read more about how to journal as a Christian woman?
If you’d like more information about journaling as a Christian, read on!
Mental Health Benefits of Journaling as a Christian
Journaling has long been recognized as a powerful tool for improving mental health. I have never once visited a coach or counselor who did not encourage me to journal. They all recommend it.
Maybe it’s because of the clarity you get.
One major benefit is reducing stress.
Writing down our thoughts and feelings helps us understand our emotions, find clarity, and lighten the load of unresolved issues.
Some of the issues that arise in journaling you may not even know are in your subconscious! This is one of the reasons I tend to freewrite.
I love freewriting!
Free writing is one of the easiest and most liberating ways to journal—it’s all about letting your thoughts flow without overthinking or editing.
There’s no structure, no rules, and no pressure to make it perfect.
You just grab your pen (or keyboard), start writing whatever comes to mind, and let your words take you wherever they want to go.
It’s like having a conversation with yourself where you can be 100% honest. Sometimes, I think we judge ourselves harshly. We overanalyze.
Free writing minimizes that because you are doing something of a brain dump.
Whether you’re venting, exploring an idea, writing prayers, or just random thoughts – it’s freeing and relaxing.
Nothing like it. Have you tried it?
It is a great way to clear your head, uncover hidden feelings, and spark creativity, and the best part is no one ever has to read it but you!
You can also be expressive in your journaling.
A study published in JMIR Mental Health found that expressive writing reduced stress and improved emotional well-being in participants.
Expressive writing is a therapeutic practice where individuals explore their deepest thoughts and emotions about stressful or traumatic experiences, helping to process and make sense of them (Pennebaker & Smyth, 2016).
The researchers noted, “Expressive writing provides a structured outlet to confront and process stressors, which leads to reduced psychological distress.” Again, journaling allows you to make sense of your thoughts, which can help reduce any feelings of overwhelm that may be plaguing you.
You don’t have to have a format; you just express what’s inside. This leads to an awareness that will help you deal with whatever is going on in your life.
Express Your True Feelings
Also, when I write like this, I often am better at communicating with others who stress me out. Journaling fleshes out all the things I need (or want to say), but I am unsure how to say them.
You know, it also helps me, sometimes, to know what I want to say. This promotes an awareness about issues often buried under the surface or root causes.
This is the perfect self-awareness tool for you!
Some sources suggest that journaling not only enhances emotional regulation but also boosts the self-awareness I’ve mentioned in the above paragraph, paving the way for personal growth and a brighter outlook on life.
Writing about experiences and thoughts encourages you to reflect.
This may help you identify patterns in their thoughts and behaviors.
A study in Psychological Science revealed that people who journaled about positive experiences had greater emotional resilience.
The study highlighted that “writing about uplifting moments improves emotional clarity and builds coping mechanisms.”
At the same time, journaling about your difficult situations can lead to a greater understanding of your emotions, enabling healthier responses.
My mother always encouraged me to stop and think before I react. Journaling helps me do that.
How to Journal as a Christian?
Journal often, journal openly, and include some free writing in your Christian journaling.
Finally (and I really do mean finally), remember journaling has some great benefits for you.
Research proves it promotes mental clarity and problem-solving. Add the Holy Spirit to the mix and you have a perfect resource to process your emotions and guide your life a bit.
By transferring all your worries and ideas onto paper, your mind is freed to focus on solutions rather than being trapped in a loop of overthinking. It may be just me, but I feel I can hear the Lord more clearly.
Living life without hearing from God is like trying to drive from Missouri to South Carolina blindfolded. You can’t get there, Christian woman.
I guess you could get there, but you’ll create lots of stress and havoc, and some people—including yourself—will definitely get hurt.
The same is true with living life without allowing the Lord to guide your steps. Journaling will help you hear His voice.
Research published in Advances in Psychiatric Treatment emphasized that journaling enhances cognitive processing, stating, “The act of writing helps organize chaotic thoughts, providing a pathway to clearer thinking and problem-solving.”
Who doesn’t need help with problem-solving?
My last “sell” is that it can be especially beneficial if you are struggling with anxiety or depression.
Journaling can create space for reflection and reframe negative thought patterns.
Why not try to start today? Print my format and let me know what you think.
This is such a simple yet effective practice and it offers a multitude of spiritual and mental health benefits – all supported by research and me – your favorite Christian woman blogger. Ha!
Source: Pennebaker, J. W., & Smyth, J. M. (2016). Opening up by Writing It Down, third edition: How Expressive Writing Improves Health and Eases Emotional Pain. Guilford Publications.
