FIVE GUIDES FOR PERSONAL JOURNALING

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalms 139:23-24

These guides are given to help you welcome God’s guidance and insight into some of the most important work you can do with your life; that of honestly exploring who it is God made you to be.

Here are some specific guides to help you journal well:

1. “Search me, O God, and know my heart” Decide to spend the time being honest about who you are. No one else needs to read this so take the time to try to be as real as you can.

2. “Test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Start with one specific thought that keeps nagging you. It may be something you are worried about, angry about, or discouraged about. Write down what your actual thoughts are about this one issue. Don’t be too quick to condemn yourself or your thoughts. Instead, just write them down to understand yourself.

3. “See if there is any offensive way in me.” Write down any unhealthy or destructive behavior these thoughts have lead to. For example, you may find that you have become overly critical of others or yourself. You may find you have closed your heart to someone or always react negatively to someone. Write out the thoughts and feelings at the time.

4. “Lead me in the way everlasting.” Ask God for and write down any guidance and insights you have gained about yourself. Write as many new positive steps you can take in your life. Allow yourself the freedom to think outside the lines for new ways of addressing your challenges.

5. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Be grateful for who God is and how He made you and what He is doing in your life at this time.