“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.’” Jeremiah 30:2

Most of my life, I’ve been one to journal. It’s not always a daily thing, but I like to write stuff down. However, at the beginning of my stand, God led me to journal in a better way, and I still do it to this day. I take my notebook paper and fold it longways. Using that crease, I draw a line straight down the middle of the next page in my notebook. (That way, I don’t have to write on a folded piece of paper.)

Now I have a clean sheet with two columns. The left column is only reserved for scriptures God uses to answer me, or verses I’m pondering, etc. This works great for future reference when I’m trying to find a scripture I know God gave me or to lean on promises when the devil attacks!

The right column is for me: prayers, questions I have for God, personal thoughts, rantings, ravings…you get the idea.

What it looks like afterward is a conversation between you and God! I usually start journaling by unpacking my heart on the right side. As I’m writing, sometimes the Holy Spirit will whisper verses to me. I look them up and discover they’re exactly what I need, so I write them down on the left side. Sometimes, I finish my side of the conversation and just open the bible. It might take work on my part to delve, but God usually leads me to nuggets that speak to my heart.

There are days, just as in any relationship, where conversations are more one-sided. Some days God shows me things I just don’t understand, so I just write them down. Then, there are days God just lets me unload. It really has been a wonderful method.

As the time passes, you go back and look to see where you’ve been, how you used to feel, and what God has changed. That’s why it’s so important to date every entry. During my stand, I journaled so much during the day, I started time stamping it too! Some entries tend to stand out more than others, so I use the space at the top of the page to title it for quicker reference later. I’ve done this mostly for dreams God has given me that I’ve written out and want to go back and re-read later.

I encourage every single person to journal. It becomes a tangible witness of the work God is doing in your life. If you don’t like my method, that’s fine. Just find one that works for you. 🙂

God bless.