Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Jeremiah 30:1-3 NIV — This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord.” 

In today’s featured scripture, God tells Jeremiah to write down the words He speaks. This week I am sharing with you my experience with journaling and the benefits I have found with journaling.

Recently I ran across some of my early prayer journals. I have enjoyed looking back through the journals and seeing how my journaling has evolved over the years. I have realized there is no one size fits all way to journal. The way you choose to journal is dependent on what works best for you.

My first journal was a spiral notebook. It was nothing fancy, but practical. I believe it was a notebook I already had so I didn’t even make a special purchase. Over the years, my journals have taken many forms. From the notebook I moved to a small, pretty, hard bound journal. I have also had a larger, leather bound journal and even a hard bound, spiral journal. The point is, whatever you choose to use as your journal is up to you, based on what works for you. I do suggest that whatever format you choose, be sure it is somehow kept together. For example, if you choose to write on loose leaf paper, I would suggest you store it in a three ring binder. 

Do you currently journal? If so, what format do you use? If you haven’t journaled before, I encourage you to consider journaling.

Let’s pray. Dear God, guide and direct me as I write down my thoughts with You. May the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

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