I have learned that nothing is hidden from God, and that whatever He reveals to me is for my good and will be used for His glory. Every gift and every fear. Every sin and every victory. He loves me exactly as I am, and He also loves me enough to help me grow, repent, and enjoy myself the way He made me.
Fears no longer paralyze me for very long because I can work on understanding where they come from and how God’s truth applies to the situation in my journal. Realizing I am anxious, fearful, or discouraged is easily dealt with once I take the time to get quiet with my Bible and journal. I learned that I can take God’s word, write it out, pray it aloud, and process it in my journal. Doesn’t that sound better than sitting around feel bad about having those feelings?
The journaling process has taught me that none of my thoughts and feelings are too much for God to handle. Each of them is a gift, even the negative ones, because they reveal something from which He wants to set me free. My journal becomes an artifact of an encounter with God.
I have also learned the value of gratitude. Not just knowing I should be grateful, but through journaling about all that I am grateful for, I have become a much more grateful person. I see the power of having gratitude. It dispels negative thoughts and feelings while nurturing hope and faith in my soul. Journaling has also cultivated in me a deeper sense of gratitude that is changes me and brings me joy which overflows to those around me.