“It is often in the unguarded moments that our talk reveals our inner life.” Mille Stamm
This is one of the many reasons I journal. I’ve gotten used to pouring my heart out to the Lord, sometimes complaining and sometimes rejoicing.
Regardless of which mode I’m in the Lord listens patiently to my despair or enjoys (I hope) my rejoicing. Today I want to address those journal entries that contain my complaining. What good can writing down your complaints do? Well, for starters it’s a good way to get something “off your chest” without hurting anyone. There have been times that I’ve hurriedly written down my angry, frustrated thoughts and feelings. After that I usually feel calm enough to read what I’ve written. That is usually quite eye opening for me.
I discovered when I began homeschooling that I am a very visual learner. (Isn’t it amazing how much we homeschool mothers learn while we’re teaching?) So having a chance to see in writing what I’m thinking and feeling usually surprises me. Our children have been quite surprised by how written things can sound very differently from thoughts – but that’s another post.
I find myself thinking that’s quite a strong word. Do I really feel that strongly about this? Hate…did I really say that? I guess I don’t hate it as much as I dislike it or perhaps I’m just uncomfortable with it. Why am I uncomfortable with that?
You get the picture. As this Scripture from Matthew says, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34 KJV
I’ve learned that there is an advantage to taking my thoughts and feelings to the Lord in writing. It really helps me get them out in a way that doesn’t harm others, yet allows me to work through them instead of just stuffing them so my mouth speaks them out at the wrong time or place.
I guess it helps me distill them down to what I really need to deal with – my sin or sometimes the sin of someone against me.
It brings me to the place where I can seek forgiveness or forgive, neither is a bad place to be. I usually commit the whole thing to the Lord – thoughts, feelings, situation – and trust Him to use it for good in my life.
How’s that for a happy ending?
2 Timothy 1:12 KJV – For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather
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13 Comments
Tara
Hi Phyllis, thank you so much for linking with me again, I love your posts, they are inspiring and encouraging, I enjoy reading them so much. I love to journal, I have been journalling every day for a year now and it really does help me to not be so quick to speak, which has helped me so much. Have a blessed day. Tara.
Court
I often vent in writing but I find it helpful to type it up and when it is too angry or sad I delete it but if it is honest struggling I keep it and often and surprised to see how the thing got worked out over time.
Phyllis
I never thought of it as venting but I guess sometimes that’s what it is. I too am grateful when I look back and see how the Lord has worked difficult situations out – usually not how I was expecting, but usually better.
Helene
I have been seeing too the unexpected and unappealing in my own heart! Thanks for the encouragement today.
Phyllis
I’m glad I could encourage you Helene.
Rebecca
so true – and we begin thinking more on those things we thing/write about! Thank you for linking up with our Ultimate Resources!
Phyllis
I use it as a waqy to take every thought captive: 2Cr 10:5 NIV – We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
And Remind myself to follow this verse: Phl 4:8 NIV – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Nice to have you stop over.
Sarah
So very important – giving thanks for the little thing is a part of my weekly schedule and I think it’s the best thing to do. Otherwise the niggles and the nags tend to take over all together.
Thanks for linking up!
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
Phyllis
Thanks for stopping by Sarah. I try to add in gratitude whenever I can – to avoid the niggles and nags!
momstheword
I have to admit that I don’t keep a journal (although I do write down things for my Bible Study). But before I got married I did keep a journal on and off and I actually wrote poetry.
I found that writing things down sort of cleared my mind and often helped me see what I was feeling. Sometimes I was so caught up in emotion and drama that I either didn’t know what I was feeling or didn’t know WHY I was feeling it!
I love how you wrapped it all up with saying that you just commit it to the Lord. That is what we need to do with everything, resolved AND unresolved! 🙂
Thank you so much for linking up to “Making Your Home Sing Monday” today!
Phyllis
Keeping a journal really works for me much as you said. It also helps me sometimes when I look back and remember something that I was struggling with and am now doing better so its encouraging. Of course there are those things that you aren’t doing better with too, but that is a reminder to give it to the Lord and keep allowing Him to work in your heart.
Thanks for stopping by.
Rachael
I can so relate to this post! The freedom in writing, being a visual learner, dealing with sin, seeking forgiveness, all of it! Thank you for sharing a part of your life here! I am glad I found you today:) linked up in Friday’s Favorite things too! Blessings, Rachael @ Inking the Heart
Phyllis
Thanks for the kind words Rachael, and for stopping by.