Do you remember the last thing God did for you?
I know that journaling isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But if we intentionally perceive and remember what God has done in our lives, we will grow in wisdom and gratitude.
The ancients were instructed to put up memorial stones to remember God’s mighty deeds (Joshua 4). Joshua picked twelve stones from the river bed of Jordan and set them up, so God’s people would remember what He had done for them.
Similarly, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob set up stone markers to remember the life-changing encounters they had with God and the words He had spoken to them.
They made significant efforts – even moving heavy boulders – to remember.
via GIPHY
Journaling is a simple and pragmatic way to remember.
It helps us record what God has done for us, in us and through us. We get to relook all our encounters with Him and relive our insights, emotions, memories, desires and dreams.
At the end of every year, I review using my journal how the last twelve months had been. I realised I could always give a name to each year. One was a year of stress. Another, a year of desolation. Last year was one of released burdens.
Point is, I could see what God was doing with my life and how I was progressing spiritually and in ministry.
via GIPHY
God is moving. But are we looking out for it? Start today by recording what you are experiencing.
As not everyone is comfortable keeping a record with words, here are a few other suggested ways that may help you remember and process God’s work in your life:
- Using a voice recorder, talk through what happened and what you felt.
- Draw pictures that symbolise or express your emotions and desires.
- Make something. Origami, plasticine or embroidery are mediums that may help you express events.
- Take notes on your smartphone
- Draw twelve large boxes on a cardboard. Each box represents a month. Fill them with significant events or experiences.
- Use Facebook Notes to journal – they have emoticons to express emotions! If it’s very personal, remember to adjust your privacy settings!
- On Instagram, use pictures and words to record your encounters with God.
- Start a blog: WordPress, Blogspot and Tumblr are good places to start.
- Videotape yourself talking about what God has been doing in your life
This article was first published on blogpastor.net and is republished with permission.
