Renewal through Keeping a Journal

An important process in renewing our minds is that of reflecting on life's experiences. Often we are so busy that we fail to learn from the experiences and processes through which God is leading us. If we take time to reflect and evaluate on what has happened, we can ensure that we are learning from life rather than just repeating the same mistakes continually. Abraham built altars at significant stages in his life that reminded him of experiences that God had taken him through (Genesis 12:7-8, 13:4, 13:18).

An effective tool to help us to learn from the processes that God is guiding us through is to keep a journal. Many godly men and women down the centuries have kept journals and found them valuable in their spiritual growth. A journal is like a spiritual diary, with an emphasis on the condition and responses of the soul rather than a record of events. The journal is a place to reflect on our moods, our personal disciplines, our temptations, our successes and failures, our prayers and biblical insight.

Keeping a journal has three main benefits. The first is giving insight into our growth. As we reflect on our spiritual experiences, we can gain an understanding of the dynamics of the spiritual life: the obstacles, the predictable crises, the doubts, and the ways in which we have overcome these things. The second benefit is that a journal helps us to clarify our priorities. The pressures and demands of life can easily overwhelm us. Reflection helps us to slow down, to see clearly and to separate the important areas from the clamour of the demands that crowd in on us. The third benefit is that a journal helps in problem solving. Conflicts and problems are a part of growth. As the emotions of the conflict begin to settle, prayer and careful thought can help us find a way to reconciliation and progress.

The journal itself does not need to be anything special; a simple notebook is adequate for the purposes. Seek to write something each day, even if it is just one or two sentences, so that you establish journalising as a new habit. Journal keeping is a wonderful tool for withdrawing and communing with the Father, and significant in renewing our thinking.