About three and a half years ago, the Lord impressed me with the thought that keeping a journal would allow me to see His answers to prayer -- since I usually forget that I've prayed something, it makes it real hard to give thanks for His answers!!!
And, though I certainly don't write in it every day, there's been enough incentive inside to track some of the things He's been showing me, some of the prayers that I've prayed, and some of the "big" events of my life.
At first, I just had a plain little book -- very boring, but very cheap. After keeping track of many of the ongoing prayers (and when God answered them), I started to get excited about this journaling thing.
The next year, I found a beautiful journal, with a picture of a lighthouse on the cover and room to draw as well as write. . . It was so inspirational to just look at, that it helped me treasure more and more the times of sitting down to write. And, I began to occasionally read what I had written over the past few years. It was SUCH an encouragement to see how God had led, how He had answered prayers, how He had provided for us -- over and over and over and over.
Last year, in December, yet another journal, this time it had whales on it. . .
Over the past few days, I've been reviewing each of these 3 journals.
One of the most important things that has become obvious in this reading is that:
#1) God answers my prayers. If I hadn't written them down, I really would not have recognized (and remembered) His answer!
#2) God is faithful. If I hadn't written down our troubles, I would not have recognized (and remembered) His deliverance for us!!
#3) Worry is worthless, valueless, an absolute waste of time. Jesus told us that in the Gospels, but I often think that my worry really is an exception to the rule.
"Oh, God, I know that You don't want me to worry -- but this time it's REALLY important!!!"
Nah.
Totally worthless. The Bible tells us the Truth.
"Do not worry about ANYTHING, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God. And the peace of God will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. . ."
Much better to trust Him, to bring our cares to Him and lay them before His feet ("casting our cares upon Him, for He cares for us"), and walk in thankfulness and peace.
It's not "normal". . . In fact, often times, trusting Him seems to be an outrageous response to our circumstances. Worry would seem normal, natural, the thing to do.
That's why we need to track our walk, write down the things God has done in our lives, so that when the circumstances "hit", we are prepared to pray, give thanks, and trust Him. Because we've seen that He never fails. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is ALWAYS trustworthy.
I read this the other day in a book about George Muller, the man who, in the 1800's, supported 2,000 orphans through prayer and faith in God. (And he journalled ALL of his prayers!)
He wrote: "As long as we are able to trust in God, holding fast in our heart that He is able and willing to help those who rest on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and in all matters that are for His glory and their good, the heart remains calm and peaceful. It is only when we practically let go of faith in His power of His love that we lose our peace and become troubled. Remember that it is the very time for faith to work when sight ceases. . .
"Faith is above circumstances. No war, no fire, no water, no business panic, no loss of friends, no death can touch it. It goes on its own steady course. It triumphs over all difficulties. It works most easily in the greatest difficulties. Those who really confide in God, because they know the power of His arm and the love of His heart as demonstrated in the death and resurrection of His only begotten Son, are helped, whatever their trials and difficulties might be."
Our son has moved to Alaska at the leading of the Lord. God has had him keep a journal. It's awesome to stop and read over a journal in order to remember how much God has done on our behalf!
Extremely happily married since 1979, Bill and Diana Waring home schooled their three children for more than twenty years. The Waring kids were the proving grounds for all the precepts, concepts, and encouragements Bill and Diana teach--the real-life examples of the wonders of home schooling! Now, new grandparents and somewhat empty nesters, Bill & Diana travel all over the world to share the joys of loving learning, honoring one another in the family, and enjoying the journey.
• Sep. 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Great post!
Candy