The Habit of Journaling in 2025
As the calendar turns to a new year, I’m committing to lean more into a love that I’ve always carried with me—journaling. Over the years this has proven to be a means of growth and comfort in my own life, and so I invite you to join me. If you have never kept a journal, consider for a few minutes the reasons why this may be a good habit to start in 2025.
The Benefits of Journaling for the Heart and Mind
1. Spiritual Reflection: Journaling can be a tool for prayer, thanksgiving, and wrestling with the truths of Scripture. When we write, we slow down to consider God’s Word and how He’s working in our lives. Elisabeth Elliot once wrote, “When you don’t know what to do next, just do the thing in front of you.” Writing often clarifies what that “next thing” might be.
2. Mental Health and Clarity: Writing helps us process emotions and untangle the knots in our minds. A journal becomes a safe place to pour out anxieties and seek clarity through reflection. We are better able to discern our thoughts, take them captive, and make them obedient to Christ.
3. Preserving Memories and Leaving a Legacy: Journaling creates a legacy of moments that might otherwise be forgotten. These entries become treasures, reminding us and perhaps even future generations of God’s faithfulness.
My Four Journals
I know this probably sounds a bit overkill, but I have four journals, and they all serve different purposes in my life.
Commonplace Journal: in this journal I keep quotes from books, sermons, and podcasts. Anytime a thought strikes me as worthy of remembering, I write it in my commonplace journal. This is a historic practice that many of the great minds and theologians in history used, and it continues to serve many learners still today.
One Line a Day: This one is a completely new endeavor for me. Each day I will seek to write a short segment of a memory or thought from my day. This journal is set up to last five years. It will be interesting to see what was happening on that same day each year, and also how my life and thoughts develop over time.
Gratitude Journal: In this journal I write five things I am thankful for in each entry. As I write these five things, I offer up prayers of thanksgiving to God for them. I don’t do this every single day, but I keep it on my bedside table and try to do it periodically. I especially find this journal to be helpful when I’m fighting discontentment and discouragement. Nothing drives away sadness like meditating on the wonderful gifts God has given and thanking Him for them. It’s also encouraging to read through previous entries and remember all the precious gifts God has given me through the years.
Bullet Journal/Scratch Journal: This is my super messy, anything and everything journal. I keep to do lists, brain dumps, content ideas, processing challenging situations and emotions, prayer requests, and more. It’s basically a place to get all of my jumbled thoughts out of my head and onto paper so that my mind can rest. This may not be for everyone, but it is extremely helpful for me.
Practical Steps to Begin Journaling
1. Start Small: Commit to writing just a few lines each day. Reflect on Scripture, list blessings, or jot down significant moments. Be authentic and keep it simple.
2. Choose Your Tools: Find a journal and pen you love. The tactile experience often inspires creativity.
3. Set a Rhythm: Dedicate time to journaling—whether in the morning with your coffee or in the evening before bed.
The Importance of Writing Over Consuming
We live in a culture that encourages us to consume endlessly and mindlessly—information, entertainment, and fleeting inspiration. But journaling slows us down and engages our souls. It’s an antidote to the passivity of constant consumption. It also gives us an opportunity to create instead of consume.
When we journal, we’re sowing seeds—of thought, prayer, and creativity—that may bear fruit in ways we can’t yet imagine.
Journaling is also a tangible way to slow us down so we can better abide in Christ. There is something life-giving and rejuvenating to sit still before the Lord, and to write about His gifts He has given and the truths He is teaching you.
In 2025, let’s fill the pages of our journals with truth, gratitude, and memories. Let’s create instead of merely consuming. After all, our God is a Creator—and He’s given us the gift of creativity as well. Perhaps journaling could be a blessing for your heart and home this year. Will you join me in this journey of writing and remembering?
Like you, it’s impossible for me to keep one book! Or finish one. Lol