Journaling and devotions a good spiritual practice

Recently my wife, Kathy, and I were discussing our personal devotions. Kathy has started the practice of journaling during her daily devotions. She writes down thoughts from her devotional Bible readings that strike her head and heart. She also makes notes about her prayers. In addition, using a suggestion from a book written by Max Lucado and others, “31 Days of Blessings,” Kathy is writing down every day three blessings from God for which she is thankful.

I like that idea for a number of reasons. First of all, I have been thinking of devotional suggestions for St. John for 2013. In addition to joining other Christians in reading God’s word together, what a wonderful idea to give thanks together. Imagine if everyone at St. John read God’s word together and wrote down God’s blessings in their lives. Can you imagine how contagious this attitude of thankfulness would be?

Another reason I like this idea is that my mind is turning to the Thanksgiving holiday. In planning the Thanksgiving worship service and in thinking about the national holiday, it is healthy to consider the blessings of God and to grow a heart of thankfulness.

But, mainly I like this idea of writing down reason for thanks because it is at the heart of how God calls us to live. In Colossians 3:17 we are told, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. God’s love for us in Jesus gives us reason for hope and joy . . . and thanks in all situations of life. When life is difficult, we know that God continues to love and forgive us in Jesus. When life brings smiles, we know the loving hand of God is in these blessings. And even in the worst of times the blessings of God are present. So, as God tells us in Colossians, we can do all in Jesus’ name, giving thanks!

Imagine if every day each of us at St. John remembers and writes down at least one, or maybe two, or three of God’s blessings in our lives. After taking time to remember God’s blessings it is natural to give God thanks. Imagine if we not only remembered God’s blessings and thanked him, but then shared our reasons for thankfulness with others. I am convinced that this attitude of thanks and faith will bless everything we do.

There is another benefit to this attitude of thankfulness. When we share our thankfulness to God we share joy and faith. I am hoping that in our devotional time each of us grow in thankful hearts. I hope you will share with me the ways God has blessed you and your reasons for thanks. I hope that perhaps on many Sundays at the end of worship one member will bless the rest of us with God’s blessing in their life, which has caused them to give thanks. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. Contact him at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

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