Journal Prompts

Letting Go, Allowing God

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“Whoever trusts his own heart is a fool. Whoever walks in wisdom will survive.” Proverbs 28:26 (GW)

When I think of the cost God sacrificed for me, His Son beaten, scourged, and left hanging on a cross to die, why then is it so difficult for me to believe I am worthy to allow God to give me the endless supply of life? Any effort of mine to “hang on” to my problems, my doubts, or my fears paralyzes me to trust God.

My decision to let go of all the sin that keeps me from having the full life of God may cost me time, money, energy, reputation, talents, or resources, any or all is a heavy price tag but none greater than the cost paid by God. Once I have made the complete and effective decision about my sin, I let go and allow the life that was in Jesus become mine because of the Cross.

Praying the Scriptures:

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant (to me) to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in (my) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (my heart) through faith – that (I) being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that (I) may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 (GW)

Time is limited on earth. I am imperfect. But I must not allow the limited time and my own imperfection keep me from making the decision to move forward in faith to accomplish the will of God.

“(I) know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So (I) also must consider (myself) dead to sing and alive to God in Jesus Christ.” Romans 6:9-11(GW)

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

What am I hanging on to that paralyzes me to trust God?
How do I feel about God’s decision about sacrificing His Son, Jesus Christ?
Why does God think I am worthy of His Son?
What do I want to allow God to do with my life?
What does it mean, “Whoever walks in wisdom will survive?”

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Unloading My Sorrow

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“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I make decisions alone
with sorrow in my heart day after day?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look at me! Answer me, O LORD my God!
Light up my eyes,
or else I will die
and my enemy will say, “I have overpowered him.”
My opponents will rejoice because I have been shaken.
But I trust your mercy.
My heart finds joy in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD because he has been good to me.” Psalm 13 (GW)

The poetry of Psalm 13 is an example of what is often the subject of my prayer journal. It was especially so during the time of the COVID pandemic. As I reflect on the first several months of the pandemic, I, like so many others were sheltered in place fearing our turn to potentially contracting the deadly coronavirus.

On September 25, 2020, I went to the emergency room wondering if I had appendicitis or the coronavirus. Instead, I would be diagnosed with leukemia. Later that evening after my husband left the hospital, I sat at the window of my hospital room marveling at a beautiful sunset. I praised God for allowing me to become a wife and then a mother to two amazing sons. Even at the end of the worst day of my life, I found joy. God is here!

“Sorrow is better than laughter because, in spite of a sad face, the heart can be joyful.” Ecclesiastes 7:3 (GW)

Turning sorrow to joy.

“We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Now he holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne.” Hebrews 2:12 (GW)

While I had put on a brave face, I unloaded my sorrow in my prayer journal. After years of journaling my prayers and staying focused on my faith in Jesus Christ, I can look back over the pages of my prayer journals to read how the Lord had shown me His mercy. I had recorded it not only to express my grief but my acceptance of His answers. Each time He led me back to His Word so I could be reminded of His promises.

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

Am I secretly grieving? If so, why? What is causing my sorrow?
How do I unload my sorrow?
Where can I find joy in my life?
What does it mean to me, “Sorrow is better than laughter?”

(c) 2016-2023 All Rights are Reserved