I remember the day I saw my friend reading the Bible during his spare time. As he read, he recorded key points in a notebook. I thought it was a great idea.
Normally, I would just read the Bible, meditate on the verses and pray. Journaling was not a part of my quiet time with the Lord.
In the past, the Lord had often revealed several lessons and gave me new insight into common passages that I had read multiple times before. But I couldn’t remember some of these key lessons and new insight.
I started to imagine how beneficial it would be to record those key scriptures and revelations that I gained from my devotions.
I kept that thought at the back of my mind. And about four months later, I strongly felt that I needed to have more consistent devotions and start recording notes in a journal/notebook.
So I bought a notebook and began devotional journaling.
I realised that through devotional journaling, Scripture became clearer to me. I was able to record the thoughts that came to mind and this led to the flow of new thoughts.
The act of writing gives clarity and greater understanding because a concept cannot be recorded unless it is fully understood.
When I wrote my thoughts, I had more ‘aha’ moments. I also began to understand how passages of Scripture connect. I realized that the Bible is one big book that points us to Christ and not just a mere compilation of individual books and chapters.
What is Bible Journaling?
Bible journaling is the act of writing key Bible verses, prayers, insights and revelations that you get during your devotion or quiet time with God.
The act of writing helps you to keep a tangible record of what the Lord revealed to you as you read His Word. You are more likely to remember what you wrote and even if you forget it, you can always go back to your journal to remind yourself.
Related Article: How to Use the SOAP Method for Bible Study
What Do You Need to Start Journaling?
You can start Bible journaling using the following items:
- Bible (Digital or Physical)
- A Journal or notebook
- Pens (You can use different ink colours to make it fun)
- Pencil (optional)
- Highlighter (optional)
There are also Bibles with wide margins that you can use as a journal so that would eliminate the need to buy a journal or notebook.
How To Bible Journal In A Notebook
When I started journaling during my quiet time, I wrote the key verses that stood out to me.
If I got any revelation, I also made a note of that. I also recorded my prayers in that journal until I decided to use a separate notebook.
After a while, I wanted to go deeper in Scripture. I wanted to do more than just read the Word. I wanted to start studying the Word! So I started using a Bible search website called Bible Hub.
Bible Hub is a website that provides several translations, cross reference scriptures and commentaries.
This website helped me to find Bible verses that were related to the key verses that jumped out at me.
The cross-reference feature was the most helpful because I was able to readily read other scriptures that had a similar message to the verse that I was focusing on.
Let me give you an example. If I decided to read St. John 3, the key verse may be St. John 3:16. I would go to the website and type “John 3:16” and the result would look like this:
Example
KEY VERSE: JOHN 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)
CROSS-REFERENCE
John 3:18
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 6:40
For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?
4 Benefits of Bible Journaling
Journaling during my devotions has made a significant difference in my walk with God.
1. I have a much clearer understanding of Scripture.
2. I have a physical record of all that God has poured out into me that I can review for reference and encouragement.
3. Journaling provides accountability if the entries are dated. You can keep track of how often you make time to feast upon the Word of God both the written word and the word that He speaks to your heart.
4. You can record your answered prayers and how God shows up in your life and shows His faithfulness. It is easy for us to forget the faithfulness and goodness of God so having a physical record is beneficial. It stands as a reminder of how God has been faithful in the past.
This will strengthen your faith and help you to move forward knowing that the God who came through for you then is the same yesterday, today and forever.
So you can rest assured that He will still be faithful and true today and tomorrow.
Periodically, I read my records of how God showed up when I needed Him and it quickly dispels the doubts that I have.
It helps me to believe that God is for me and His plans and thoughts towards me are to prosper me not to harm me.
If you are seeking a revival or a closer walk with God then I highly encourage you to add journaling to your quiet time with the Lord.
Related video:
Reference