Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Maylan Schurch
Friday, August 25, 2023
Earlier this month, on a visit to a favorite used-book store, I noticed a shelf of journals. With a sidelong glance to make sure the cashier wasn’t watching, I quickly rearranged them so that all the “themed” ones were in a line.
Take a look at them. From the left you have a “Self-compassion Journal,” and ones in which you can record happiness and kindness and gratitude. You can select the “Good Vibes Only” journal, a “wisdom” journal, or a journal you can feel free to “wreck.”
As I gaze at this photo, I can see ways in which the Bible fulfills all of these needs. Happiness and gratitude often show up in the Psalms; kindness is revealed in God’s many ways of showing His love. “Good vibes only” will be a day-by-day reality in a happy eternity with our Savior. “Wisdom” shows up not only in Proverbs but in the sayings of Jesus and the apostles. And while it’s not a good idea–and is actually a forbidden one–to “wreck” God’s journal, we’re perfectly welcome to discard any selfish or harmful ideas we ourselves may have previously viewed as worthwhile.
To guide our own spiritual journaling, it’s essential to read frequently, thoughtfully and prayerfully the words of the many “journalers” God inspired. Their works are bound side-by-side in your Bible. The link below contains a bit more about why these journals are so important: