Re-Center Around God
Review Your Week
Journaling is one way to review where you have been living with God and where you’ve been living without God (consciously). Recording such thoughts allows you to revisit them readily and without misremembering. I have found that I had definitely misremembered what I wrote; it's nice to be able to go back and re-read what I originally wrote down.
Repent (if necessary)
The suggestion is not to repent for not journaling, but rather to use this platform to aid you in opening up to God. If it helps you pour out your heart, lock up your journal so no one will read it; some even burn them.
Return (as necessary)
Certain journalers find that not writing leads to spiritual dry spells. Conversely, journaling has become a great way of breaking real or perceived dry spells (music being another). It is helpful to learn what helps you break such dry spells as well.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 32:8-11
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. - Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you. - Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him. - Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 118-8-9
- It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans. - It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
The Promise
Romans 4:5
To the one who does not work but trusts God, who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
Pondering Point
We all have woes in life, whether you are defined as “wicked” or not. But in our woes, the followers of Jesus are surrounded by God’s unfailing love.