What is a Faith Journal?

Let’s be honest.

The idea of “faith journaling” can be intimidating.

We see the beautiful, perfect images online. We see flawless handwriting. We see intricate drawings. We see deep, profound prayers.

We look at our own tired hearts. We look at our messy lives.

We think: “I can’t do that.”

The Fear of the Blank Page

We’re afraid of the blank page.

We’re afraid our prayers are “too messy.” We’re afraid they are “too small.” We’re afraid they are “too angry.” We’re afraid they are “not holy enough.”

We’re afraid of “doing it wrong.”

I want to set your heart free today.

Performance vs. Presence

A faith journal is not a performance for God. It is not a “holy diary” to record your perfection.

A faith journal is a “holding space.”

It is a safe space. It is a quiet space. It is a private space.

It is where you can have an honest, messy, real conversation. You are talking with a God who is not afraid of your mess.

He’s not waiting for your eloquence. He’s waiting for your heart.

It’s the place you can be a “Martha,” spinning with lists. It’s the place you can be David from the Psalms, pouring out your complaint (Psalm 142:2).

It’s the place you can be “un-done.” You can know that you are still completely held.

YOUR PROMPTS

Prompts to Give You Permission

Use your journal to break the rules.

• Name the Fear: “The ‘fear’ that has been stopping me is… (Fear of the blank page? Fear of not being ‘deep’ enough? Fear of being messy?)”
• The “Messy” Prayer: “What is one ‘messy’ or ‘un-holy’ feeling I’ve been afraid to admit? (Anger? Envy? Exhaustion?) I am writing it down now.”
• Redefine “Holy”: “What if ‘holy’ doesn’t mean ‘perfect’? What if it just means ‘honest’? The most honest thing in my heart right now is…”
• A Prayer of Permission: “Lord, I am letting go of ‘performance.’ I am just showing up. As I am. Please meet me right here.”

YOUR ACTION POINT

Your Action Point: The “Permission Slip”

You need to claim the space.

1. Open that beautiful, “intimidating” journal.
2. Turn to the very first page.
3. Write this “permission slip”:
   • “This is a ‘holding space.’”
   • “Not a performance.”
   • “All of me is welcome here.”

You have just broken the “curse” of the blank page.

You have made it a sanctuary.

(In our next post, I’ll share one simple way to start journaling with Scripture when you don’t know what to write.)

With grace, Debbera