Keep A Journal … Not To Capture Your Feelings But To Celebrate God’s Faithfulness!
This week a colleague shared a devotional that has continued to stir in my heart. (Thanks Kevin)

He spoke of the value and importance of keeping a journal and for him, it was a matter of leaving a powerful witness of God’s faithfulness to his children. He shared several personal stories that were very moving and indeed worthy of remembering.

His point was especially powerful for me … and perhaps it will be for you.

Keep A Journal … Not To Capture Your Feelings But To Celebrate God’s Faithfulness!
Early in my faith journey I was fully devoted to keeping a journal.

It was a part of my carefully crafted daily devotional plan … reading, writing and praying. It was my everyday morning routine and I had the time slot saved in my daily planner … 0600-0900. This was … and continues to be my PT … “personal time”. I read a devotional and all the associated scripture readings and then have a time of prayer and reflection.

What has fallen out of my routine … is keeping a daily journal.

I never lost sight of the value of keeping a journal … but I was aware, that for me, it had become nothing more than a ritual … and let me tell you why I think that happened!

Keep A Journal … Not To Capture Your Feelings But To Celebrate God’s Faithfulness!
For the most part, my journal simply recorded my reactions or feelings. There was no rational and quite frankly, most of the time, there was no resounding resolution to anything.

Truth is, my journal posts revealed my emotions and feelings, not my established heart and faith.

When I became aware of all of this … I determined that I would stop using my journal to capture feelings and use it instead to celebrate God’s faithfulness.

This is the record that we need to keep!

With this focus, we will become more reflective and resolute.

Clearly, this was the biblically established practice of the great men and women of God … from the times of the patriarchs to the present day.

We can echo these powerful words in the scriptures.
▪ Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the – faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations”
▪ Psalm 33:4 – “For the Word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness”
▪ Psalms 119:90 – “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast”

This shift has changed everything for me … and I believe it can do the same for you.

So … let’s pick up our journals and get ready to write.

Keep A Journal … Not To Capture Your Feelings But To Celebrate God’s Faithfulness!

This is nothing more refreshing … and nothing sets the record straight better than this!

I am in … and you!

-Terry –