Journaling for Spiritual Clarity and Purpose

Could journaling be the key to unlocking spiritual growth and emotional healing? Join me, Paula, on Living on Purpose in Christ as I explore this transformative practice, drawing inspiration from the psalmist's call for divine introspection. Imagine starting each day with a sense of peace, cradling a warm cup of tea while surrounded by the calming scents of essential oils, as you set your intentions and open your heart. Throughout this episode, I share practical tips for incorporating journaling into your spiritual routine and offer insights from inspiring testimonies. Listen to the stories of others who found profound clarity, peace, and purpose through journaling.

Embrace the invitation to embark on a faithful journaling journey, where written words become prayers, guiding you into a deeper connection with God. This episode encourages viewing journaling as a means of connection rather than striving for perfection, aligning yourself with God's purpose. I also introduce the Faith Building Club, a resource hub designed to enrich your spiritual path with prayer journals, a Bible reading plan, and more. Let this episode remind you that you are never alone on this journey—God is ever-present, encouraging you to live purposefully in Christ.

More on my blog: Connecting With God One Page at a Time

Chapters

• 0:01 The Power of Journaling With God
• 6:55 Embarking on a Faithful Journaling Journey

Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:01

Welcome back to Living on Purpose in Christ, where we journey together towards a more purposeful and Christ-centered life. Hi, I'm Paula, your host, and today we are diving into one of my favorite topics journaling as a tool for self-discovery, inspired by the words of the psalmist when he said Search me, o God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. Picture this A quiet morning, a steaming cup of tea, or perhaps your favorite essential oil diffusing quietly in the background, filling the room with a calming fragrance. You gently open your journal, ready to pour out your thoughts, and let God speak to you through his word. You know, journaling is a powerful practice that has the potential to transform the way we connect with ourselves and with God, but why is it so impactful and how can it lead us to a deeper self-discovery? Let's begin by reflecting on our scripture for today. The psalmist writes Search me, o God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. These verses are a request for divine introspection and alignment. Our journaling practice starts by inviting God in. We humbly ask Him to search us, reveal our inner thoughts and guide us toward His truth. This prayer is not just about uncovering our anxieties and struggles, though, but it's also about welcoming God's insights into our journey. When we write, we can be completely honest and open, creating a sacred space for God to meet us and guide us.

Paula Behrens: 1:56

Journaling offers many benefits that align beautifully with our spiritual walk. Here are just a few. Clarity and focus Writing helps dissipate the mental fog, allowing us to see situations, emotions and even dreams with a clearer perspective. It acts like a mirror, reflecting our inner world, where God's light can shine and reveal his truth. Emotional healing by honestly expressing feelings, we allow God to bring healing to areas of pain or stress. As we write, we can also incorporate prayer, asking God to soothe our anxious thoughts, much like the psalmist did. Spiritual growth Journaling is an opportunity to meditate on Scripture, recording our reflections, God's promises and answered prayers. It's a documented journey of our walk with the Lord.

Paula Behrens: 2:58

Created Expression, made in the image of our Creator. Our creativity is a gift. Journals become a canvas for that creativity. Whether through words, doodles or even prophetic art, all expressions are invitations for God to speak. Now let's talk about how we can successfully incorporate journaling into our spiritual practice. Here are some tips to get you started.

Paula Behrens: 3:27

First, set an intention. Begin each journaling session with prayer. Ask God to guide your writing and reveal what needs to be uncovered or celebrated. Then choose a setting, create a serene environment, play some soothing music, diffusing a calming essential oil like lavender or frankincense, and set the ambience for reflection. Be regular and consistent. Establish a routine, whether it's daily, weekly or a rhythm that suits your life. You'll find that the regular practice fosters a deeper connection and understanding, and keep it open-ended.

Paula Behrens: 4:11

Your journal is neither a diary nor an assignment. Let your writing flow freely, embrace whatever thoughts, prayers, poems or sketches emerge naturally. Then reflect and revisit Occasionally, go back and read previous entries. This reflection can show how far you've journeyed and reinforce your growth and God's faithfulness in your life. To illustrate the power of journaling, let me share a testimony of a Christian blogger named Brian Sloan. He wrote One of the great benefits that I found when I began to journal years ago was that it provided me with a reliable structure when I had those times alone with God.

Paula Behrens: 4:58

It wasn't a law, it wasn't a have-to. It wasn't a law, it wasn't a have-to. It, however, was a helpful structure that helped my mind focus in a better way. And then there was Sarah, a woman on a path through uncertainty and fear, wrestling with decisions and longing for divine guidance. Feeling lost, she began journaling with a heartfelt prayer search me, oh God, and know my heart. Day by day, her entries revealed hidden patterns and truths she hadn't ever seen before. Through this process, she gained clarity, discovered latent talents and felt inspired to start a small ministry that profoundly impacted many lives. Journaling became her tool for self-discovery and divine insight, and it transformed her anxiety into a profound sense of peace and purpose.

Paula Behrens: 5:56

Now, while there's no divine decree mandating that we must journal, expressing our thoughts and feelings in this way can profoundly enrich our quiet moments with God. Moreover, the power of scent has a unique ability to enhance this sacred practice. As we embark on our introspective journey, weaving in essential oils can deepen our spiritual experience. Consider how scents like valor can summon courage. Frankincense can ground us spiritually and lavender can surround us with a calming serenity, enriching our time of reflection and prayer. Diffusing these oils or applying them while journaling invites a sensory component that relaxes the mind and aligns the spirit. It's a beautiful synergy of natural wellness and spiritual practice.

Paula Behrens: 6:55

I encourage you to take that first step towards journaling today. Allow your heart to connect with God through your written words, transforming them into prayers. Let your reflections guide you towards profound self-discovery and a deeper connection with Christ. This journey is not only about what you unveil, but also about who you become, a person more aligned with God's divine purpose. Thank you for joining me for today's show. I hope that this exploration of journaling inspires you to begin or deepen your practice of journaling. Remember, this journey is not about perfection, but connection, connection with God, with yourself and with his purpose for your life. Okay, so I'd love for you to continue this journey with us.

Paula Behrens: 7:52

Visit my website to uncover the Faith Building Club, an exclusive monthly membership brimming with resources created to enrich and strengthen your faith. Inside you'll find prayer and devotional journals, a one-year Bible reading plan, calendars, prayer cards, christian bookmarks, social media content, children's bulletins and so much more. At this time, I'm thrilled to offer six months of content and a mini-course called Bible Blueprint an overview of the Bible in seven days, with fresh new resources added every month. If this podcast has resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with others who might benefit from weaving God's presence into their lives as well. Remember you are never alone. God walks alongside you every step of the way, until we meet again. Be blessed, and may you live each day on purpose in Christ.