Five Benefits of Journaling
Journaling has, at times, been a very seasonal discipline. I have rows of journals in my office that reflect both consistent and inconsistent times of journaling throughout my life. I wish I could have journaled more in hindsight, but I am incredibly thankful for the times I have journaled. Keeping a written record is a worthwhile discipline. Each time I review written notes from my grandmother, I am reminded that the written word is a jewel to be treasured. Consistent journaling is a discipline that has great value. Numbers 33:1-2 has always been an encouraging word for keeping a record of my life's journey.
“These are the stages of the people of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their companies under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Moses wrote down their starting places, stage by stage, by command of the LORD, and these are their stages according to their starting places.” — (Numbers 33:1–2, ESV)
Here are 5 benefits I have found in journaling.
1. Journaling keeps you sharp.
Research reveals that writing stimulates your brain. I find that consistent journaling keeps me focused, strengthens my memory, and causes me to think and process at a higher level. The older I get, the more this becomes a reality.
2. Journaling provides a written record.
Reading the journals of others can have a profound impact on your life. Some of my favorite non-religious reading has come from Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They recount their epic round trip journey up the Missouri River to the Pacific Coast. Our lives may not be that adventurous, but our journey with Christ is worthy to record.
3. Journaling acknowledges God's activity.
Reviewing old journals has brought me incredible encouragement from reflecting on God's past faithfulness to rejoicing in God's patient sanctification and discipline. It is an easy thing to forget all God has done. Journaling is a discipline that wages war against our forgetfulness.
4. Journaling allows you to process.
When I write, I am forced to think. The thoughts from my head and heart have to make it to my pen and paper. There have been many occasions that had I not been journaling, a significant truth would have been missed or emotion would never have been articulated.
5. Journaling informs your posterity.
The dictionary defines posterity- all future generations of people. I have two categories of journaling: 1. A personal journal that includes my daily devotional, prayers, and personal current events. 2. A family journal with entries for each person in my family that includes milestones, special moments, and family vacations. I pray these journals will impact my children and their children for generations to come.
Journaling is not a tool that gives you greater value, worth or standing with God, but another means of sanctification. I stress to myself that daily journaling is not the goal; consistent journaling is the goal.
