My friend mentioned the difference between journaling and “deep journaling.” I love connecting with friends who love journaling, and I love asking them about their techniques. I shared with two other young friends today about how I engage in “deep journaling.”
Journaling might mean simply recounting the day, for example. Deep journaling means that I’m positioning myself to let the Holy Spirit deeply work in my heart as I pray and read God’s word. Deep journaling means that I’m asking questions that invite growth, change, and insight. For example, this morning, as I read the book of Matthew, I noted how Jesus primarily comes on the scene as a Healer. He heals. Wherever He goes, I noticed how often He heals. If Jesus is a Healer (perhaps most of all), what if I asked myself this question in my deep journaling time?
Where do I need more healing in my life? What areas need God’s healing touch?
I spent some time writing out what feels less than abundant, less than peaceful, less than joyful. Is there anything out of alignment in my life? Is there anything sick—either spiritually, physically, or emotionally?
You might need healing in your body from illness. Maybe you need healing in how you relate to food or how you relate to your own body. Maybe you need healing in your mind because of depression or anxiety. Maybe you need healing in your relationship to God and others. Maybe it’s a need for financial healing.
What needs a healing touch?
Wow. Hard questions, right? Deep journaling.
Make your list. Write about these things for a few pages for deep journaling. Then ask Jesus to heal you. He is a Healer. He heals.