​Journaling Life’s Journey

Written by Donna Willard
 
Journaling is writing about the journey we call life.  Often journaling has meant so much to me because I can release the feelings inside my heart and onto an external piece of paper.  It has helped me deal with feelings of depression and anxiety, as well as express joy.  Journaling is a release for my soul and has helped me to captivate my thoughts and emotions.  It has also been a springboard for many pieces that I have written, including editorials and letters to friends. In addition, journaling is a great way to communicate with God through a prayer, and then later record answers to prayer.

Requirements for journaling include paper, pencil, and the thoughts and feelings the Lord places in your heart.  There are many beautiful journals for purchase, but one can, if preferred, just use a piece of blank paper.  Some journals have scripture or ideas that act as a springboard for thoughts.

The writer does not have to edit when journaling. That just interrupts the flow of thoughts.  Many writers start their writing pieces in a journal.  One just needs to express thoughts or prayers for God to begin.  It is truly the easiest form of writing for God.

King David wrote his thoughts in journal form, as found in Psalms 22, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?”(NLTB)  David’s words start out with deep sadness and end with the joy of future generations hearing about the wonders of the Lord.
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We all are on a journey in life. Writing in journal form is a way to communicate ideas from our abstract minds to concrete paper.  Whether we write just for ourselves to read or to share so others may learn, journaling empties our soul to paper.