If you’re looking for a creative way to dive deeper into the Bible, then Bible journaling might be just what you need. Journaling Bible is a great tool for studying scripture and reflecting on what it says. It can also help to nurture your relationship with God and give you a better understanding of His word. But where should I start with Bible journaling? In this article, we’ll discuss where to start with Bible journaling and how to start bible journaling.
Where should I start with Bible journaling?
To start a bible journaling, you should start by following the steps below:
Choose a Bible translation
Choose a bible translation that best suits your needs: Whether you’re looking for a study bible, children’s edition, or one with large print, there are plenty of options available.
Select the type of journaling method you want to use
There are several different methods to choose from, including traditional paper and pencil journaling, digital journaling, and creative craft projects.
Look for a study guide
If you are just starting out with Bible Journaling, having a bible study guide to help you is invaluable. A guide will provide the structure needed to stay focused and organized in your wide-margin Bible studies.
Gather some supplies
Depending on the type of journaling or journaling bibles you’ve chosen, you’ll need to have certain supplies on hand. Traditional paper and pencil journaling requires a notebook, pens, and colored pencils.
For digital journaling, you’ll need a tablet or computer with the necessary apps installed. And for creative craft projects, you’ll need supplies such as paper, stickers, stamps and washi tape.
Pick a passage to focus on
Choose a particular Bible verse or story to journal about. You can look up related passages in commentaries, study Bibles, and other resources.
Read the passage several times before you begin
Take your time and really put effort into understanding the scripture. Read it slowly and note any words that stand out to you.
Pray for guidance
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your studies and give you clarity in understanding God’s Word.
Write down any thoughts or questions that come to mind
This is a great way to record what comes up for you as you are journaling. It may be helpful to write down spiritual insights or questions for further study.
Start journaling
Once you’ve done the pre-work, you can begin your journaling. Use coloring, drawing, words and/or pictures to record what stands out to you during your studies.
Go deeper with additional research
If any particular areas of interest come up while journaling, take time to research them. There are many resources available in print and online that can help you dive deeper into the passage and gain a greater understanding.
Reflect
Take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve learned from your journaling session. Pray for further insight or understanding, and thank God for His Word and all He has taught you through it.
How do I organize my Bible journal?
Organizing your Bible journals is key to staying focused and on track. Here are some tips for getting started:
Create a filing system
This can be as simple as assigning each book of the Bible its own folder or creating a numerical system based on the chapter and verse.
Get creative with labeling
Use different colors, stickers, or other creative elements to make it easier to identify each section.
Label your entries
Use dates and topics to easily reference what you’ve written in each journal entry.
Make backups
Digital journaling makes it easy to store files on the cloud or a USB drive so that they don’t get lost or damaged.
Set aside dedicated time
It’s important to have a set time for journaling, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.
Use sticky notes
Place them in your Bible or on your desk to remind you of topics or questions that need further exploration.
Take notes on the go
If you’re reading or studying the Bible in a group setting, use a note-taking app to jot down thoughts and ideas.
Share your work
Consider starting a blog or creating an online portfolio of your journaling projects to share with friends and family.
Celebrate accomplishments
Give yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve put into your Bible journaling.
What kind of bible journaling supplies should I use?
The tools you use for Bible journaling will depend on the type of journaling method you’ve chosen. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Pencils and pens
Choose pens and pencils in different colors so you can easily color-code your entries.
Markers
Great for highlighting keywords or sections in your Bible.
Art supplies
Get creative with washi tape, stickers, stamps and other crafty accents.
A Bible or online Bible app
Having an electronic version of the Bible makes it easier to search for passages and jot down notes quickly.
Notebooks
Choose a notebook or journal specifically designed for Bible journaling, or create your own.
Post-it notes
Place them in your Bible or on your desk to remind you of topics or questions that need further exploration.
A digital camera
Take pictures and print out images from the internet to use for journaling projects.
Tablet or computer
For digital journaling or art journaling, you’ll need a tablet or computer with the necessary apps installed.
Bible study guides
Look for books and online resources or bible journal prompts to help guide your studies and give you more insight into difficult passages.
What should I write in a Bible journal?
- Summaries of Bible stories that have resonated with you
- Prayers or thoughts inspired by the texts
- Reflections on how certain passages are relevant to your life today
- Notes on particular keywords, phrases, sermon notes or Bible verses
- Questions about difficult concepts in the scriptures
- Drawings related to a particular story or passage
- New insights or revelations that have come to you during your studies
- Favorite quotes from the Bible and how they’ve impacted you
- Inspirational stories of people who’ve lived out the scriptures
- Poems, songs or artwork inspired by the Bible texts you read about
- A wish list of things you would like to learn or look into further in the Bible
- Comparisons between modern culture and ancient biblical times
- Findings from your research on particular topics
- Ideas for how you can apply certain teachings to your daily life
- Prayers for people mentioned in the Bible and how they dealt with difficult situations.
Bottom Line
Bible journaling experience is a great way to deepen your understanding of the scriptures and engage and hide God’s Word in your heart.
With the right tools, organizing system and dedication, you can use this practice to enrich your spiritual life.
Allow yourself time to explore and reflect on what comes up for you as you journal, and don’t forget to give yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve put into it.
