Last week I shared some practical tips about “Getting Still.” Today I’d like to pass along some ideas about journaling in the stillness, using Scripture as the starting place.
How to Begin?
Come grateful. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; and into his courts with praise,” David instructs in Psalm 100:4. Give thanks.
Paul affirms, giving an answer to the hard questions: What? When? Who? Why? In one no-holding-back kind of statement in I Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Spending a few minutes in thanksgiving reminds me of yesterday’s gifts of love and softens my heart to today’s. Author Ann Voskamp describes “praying without ceasing: as the “Continual Prayer – where He whispers His love, and I murmur my thanks.”
My first writings each day are entries into my “Grateful Journal.” Detailing ways God showed His love yesterday prepares my heart to open my eyes for today’s gifts, including new insights from the Word.
What to Read?
I go straight to the Word. I love books. Most days I invite a half dozen authors into my life. But not now. I don’t want to filter, to come with a critical eye that requires me to sort through for truth. This time I save to step into the riches of God’s Holy Words alone.
It is hard to go wrong by simply selecting a book of the Bible and begin reading. Many reading plans are also available if your desire is to cover the breadth of God’s Word in a year or study a particular topic.
Where to pause?
Pastor and author Wayne Cordeiro describes a moment of pause this way:
“The Holy Spirit will highlight one verse or thought that momentarily stops you in your tracks or seems to shine out from the page. He will whisper, ‘This is for you – this is a promise you can hold to,’ or ‘This instruction will get you back on track.’”
Then write it down in your journal or your blank computer page.
Begin to Dialogue
Your dialogue with God begins here. He began the conversation, now it’s your turn to enter.
Be honest.
Speak directly to Him.
Forget about spelling and grammar.
As you write, also listen as He reveals truth.
“It is the present Voice which makes the written Word all-powerful. Otherwise it would lie locked in slumber within the covers of a book.” - A.W. Tozer
PULL UP A CHAIR...
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Dialogue with God about:
the noise or chaos in your life
your questions about His purposes and methods
what you know to be true about Him, regardless of your feelings
how these truths might quiet you