If you are an introvert like me, you might find that learning how to journal is the perfect way to express yourself without having to, well, express yourself to anyone else! After all, who needs human interaction when you can just pour your heart out to a blank page?
But in all seriousness, journaling has been a game-changer for my faith with so many benefits, and I’m convinced it can be for yours too!
As the Psalmist wrote, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (Psalm 45:1).
I love how this verse captures the idea of our hearts being full of thoughts and feelings that are just begging to be expressed.
And that’s exactly what Christian journaling allows us to do – to process our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that’s both therapeutic and spiritually enriching.
If you need ideas and examples, don’t forget to check out our giant collection of Christian journaling ideas which features over 101 examples for you to use right away!
When we journal it gives us the space to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to examine them in light of God’s Word.
But journaling isn’t just for introverts – it’s for anyone who wants to deepen their faith, clarify their thoughts, and gain a fresh perspective on life – it is truly a powerful tool for spiritual growth!
In this article, we’ll explore 11 reasons why Christians should try journaling, and provide practical tips for getting started.
When you are ready to jump in and begin journaling, you can take a look at our step-by-step Christian journaling guide to help you get started!
Before we begin…
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Why Journaling Matters: A Biblical Perspective
First things first—let’s talk about why journaling matters from a biblical standpoint.
Did you know that a huge chunk of the Bible is essentially someone’s journal?
The Psalms? That’s David (and others) pouring out their hearts to God.
Lamentations? That’s Jeremiah’s raw, emotional processing of grief and faith.
Even the Gospels are, in a sense, journals—eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings.
One of my favorite verses about writing things down is Habakkuk 2:2:
Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
God literally told Habakkuk to journal!
Why? Because writing things down helps us remember. It helps us process. And it helps us share what God is doing in our lives with others.
But journaling isn’t just about recording big, dramatic moments. It’s also about the small, everyday stuff.
It’s about noticing God’s hand in the ordinary.
It’s about wrestling with questions, celebrating answered prayers, and sometimes just venting when life feels overwhelming. (Because let’s be real—some days, you just need to write in all caps: “GOD, I DON’T GET THIS!” And that’s okay.)
Christian Journaling Benefits
#1: Journaling Helps You To Draw Closer To God
As Christians, we know that our relationship with God is the most important relationship in our lives. But sometimes, it can be hard to feel close to God, especially when we’re going through difficult times or feeling overwhelmed by our thoughts and emotions.
That’s where journaling comes in. Journaling can be a powerful tool for drawing closer to God because it allows us to express our thoughts and feelings to Him in an honest and intimate way
In his letter to the early Christians, James says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
When we take the time to journal and reflect on our thoughts and feelings and God’s will for us, we’re taking a step closer to God. We’re inviting Him into our lives and our hearts, and asking Him to meet us where we are.
Through journaling, we can:
- Share our deepest thoughts and feelings with God
- Ask Him for guidance and wisdom
- Thank Him for His blessings and provision
- Confess our sins and ask for forgiveness
- Seek His comfort and peace in times of trouble
By journaling regularly, we can develop a deeper sense of intimacy with God, and experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing Him.

#2: Journaling Helps You Develop a Deeper Prayer Life
Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life, but sometimes it really can feel like we’re just going through the motions!
Journaling can help you develop a more intentional and meaningful prayer life by allowing you to write down your prayers and reflect on God’s answers.
As Martin Luther says, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
By journaling your prayers, you can cultivate a more authentic and effective prayer life.

#3: Journaling Helps You Reflect on God’s Faithfulness
Have you ever looked back on your life and thought, “Wow, God has been so faithful to me”? Journaling can help you reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life and remember the ways He’s worked in the past.
And the best part is that keeping a journal allows you to look back at all the times God has come through for you and helped in the past.
As the Psalmist says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77: 11-12).
By journaling, you can reflect on God’s miracles in your life and remember His faithfulness, even in the tough times.

#4: Journaling Helps You Identify Areas for Spiritual Growth
Let’s face it, we all have areas where we need to grow spiritually. Journaling can help you identify those areas and develop a plan to work on them.
As the Bible says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
By journaling, you can reflect and examine your heart and identify areas where you need to grow, and then develop a plan to work on those specific areas where you would like to improve. Doing this allows us to align our lives with our faith.

#5: Journaling Helps You Develop a Greater Sense of Gratitude
Gratitude is a truly powerful thing! In fact, the bible specifically tells us that we should be grateful!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Journaling can serve as a powerful reminder to fulfill this command, leading to a more grateful heart.

When we focus on what we’re thankful for, it can shift our perspective and help us see the world in a new way!
Journaling can help you to develop a greater sense of gratitude by allowing you to write down the things you’re thankful for each day. You will see that you will become more positive with a hopeful outlook on life.
As James E. Faust says, “A grateful heart is the beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.”

#6: Journaling Helps You Process Difficult Emotions
As Christians, we know that we’re not alone in our struggles. We have a loving God who cares about us and wants to help us through difficult times.
As the Bible says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Sometimes however it can be hard to process our emotions and find a sense of peace and clarity especially when we feel overwhelmed and uncertain!
As the Psalmist says, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28).
Journaling can help us express our emotions to God and seek His guidance and comfort. As we write down our thoughts and feelings, we can ask God to help us make sense of them.
By journaling, you can pour out your heart to God and allow Him to heal your brokenness.

#7: Journaling Helps You Develop a Greater Sense of Self-Awareness
The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
But what if you could understand your heart better?
Journaling can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and understand your heart in a deeper way. It is a great tool that helps you understand your thoughts, feelings, motivations and why you do what you do.

#8: Journaling Helps You Create a More Intentional Life
Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions of life without any sense of direction or purpose? Do you struggle to prioritize your time and energy, and find yourself getting bogged down in non-essential tasks and activities?
Journaling can help you create a more intentional life by giving you the space to reflect on your values, goals, and priorities. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain clarity on what’s truly important to you, and make intentional decisions about how you want to spend your time and energy.
As the Bible says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” (Colossians 3:23).
By journaling, you can reflect on your priorities and goals and make sure you’re living a life that’s intentional and meaningful.

#9: Journaling Helps You Develop a Greater Sense of Trust in God
If you’ve ever struggled to trust God when you’re bogged down by uncertainty or chaos in your life then keeping a journal can really help you to focus on God’s goodness and sovereignty!
Keeping a Christian journal gives you a space where you can reflect on God’s character, remember God’s promises, process your doubts and fears, look for God’s guidance, and focus with gratitude for what you already have.
As the Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

#10: Many Great Christians Have Kept Journals
I don’t know about you, but the Bible itself is like one big journal to me. Afterall, it is a collection of writing from God-inspired authors who recorded their thoughts, feelings and experiences with God.
And throughout history, many great Christians have followed in their footsteps, keeping journals of their own to process their thoughts and emotions, and to deepen their relationship with God.
From missionaries to pastors to theologians, journaling has been a spiritual practice that has helped many Christians to cultivate a deeper sense of faith and spirituality.
Some examples of great Christians who have kept journals include Martin Luther, John Wesley, and C.S. Lewis.
#11: Journaling Helps You Leave a Legacy
Finally, journaling can help you leave a legacy for your loved ones. By writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you can create a journal that will be a treasure for your family and friends for years to come.
As the Bible says, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1).
By journaling, you can leave a legacy of faith and love that will be remembered for generations to come.

Getting Started with Christian Journaling
So, how do you get started with Christian journaling? Here are a few tips to help you:
- Start small: Don’t feel like you need to write for hours every day. Start with just a few minutes a day and see how it goes.
- Be consistent: Try to journal at the same time every day, so it becomes a habit.
- Don’t worry about grammar or spelling: This is your journal, not a school assignment! Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. Just write from the heart.
- Use a journal that feels comfortable: Choose a journal that feels comfortable to you. Do you like a small journal that you can carry with you, or a larger one that you can use at home? Do you prefer a journal with lines, or one that’s blank?
- Get comfortable: Create a special place that is quiet and peaceful where you can relax, write and reflect.
- Make it a ritual: Make journaling a special ritual for yourself. Light a candle, make a cup of coffee or tea, and find a quiet spot to write.
Tips for Christian Journaling
Here are a few tips specifically for Christian journaling:
- Start with prayer: Begin your journaling time with prayer. Ask God to guide you and give you wisdom as you write.
- Use Scripture: Use Scripture as a starting point for your journaling. Write down a verse or passage that speaks to you, and then reflect on what it means to you.
- Be honest: Be honest with God and with yourself. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
- Look for God’s presence: As you journal, look for God’s presence in your life. Reflect on the ways He’s working in you and through you.
- Use Christian journaling prompts: Use journaling prompts to help you get started.
Final Thoughts
Journaling is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and reflection. By writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you can process your emotions, develop a deeper prayer life, and cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and trust in God. Don’t be afraid to give Christian journaling a try – you never know how it might transform your faith!