Welcome to Hearing God through Journaling which is Part 3 of the Hearing God series (Previously produced as podcasts for HopeStreamRadio)
My family is probably tired of hearing about a phrase I’d like to be remembered by. (Actually, there are several.) But before I tell you the one I’m referring to today, I’m going to share a short story with you.
As someone who loves to write in a journal each morning, I’ve noticed some things about God that I may not have if I hadn’t been recording prayers and their answers in my journals. Sometimes I need to go back and read old pages because I’m startled by the precise answers to prayers that were pleaded from my heart.
One day while praying on my knees, a stance I don’t take nearly enough, I sensed God suggest I ask Him for something I was pining for. It was something I had lost due to the actions of others I’m not close to and don’t know well. I wanted more quality time with someone I loved. Someone who couldn’t speak for himself. Because of the touchiness of the situation and my desire not to disturb anyone else’s life, I kept my desire mainly to myself.
So, when God nudged me to ask Him to open a door, I realized my neglect to ask Him—instead of just complaining to Him—was worthy of a royal facepalm.
What was I thinking? I could have already had what I desired.
I grabbed my pen and wrote the simple request in my journal; being a writer, it solidifies my hope to write out prayers. It boosts my faith that the seeds will sprout because I’ve invested the extra effort to get them down on paper.
Two days later, the desire I shed tears over for nearly two months was granted. And not only that, I found out that I wasn’t the only one who was excited about the extra visit.
I heard God through journaling because He was not only looking out for my interests, He was looking out for the interests of others—just as we’re supposed to.
Journaling is a splendid way to not only hear our hearts’ desires, but also the desires God has for us. And for those dear to us.
I had not because I asked not.
This asking thing has been a slow, long journey for me. Years ago, I was afraid to ask for children when I realized I was in the throes of an infertility storm. Instead of hoping, I held back my desire so I wouldn’t risk getting hurt. But a quote I’d written in my journal inspired me to ask God to open my womb. If He didn’t, I believed He would comfort me.
It’s disrespectful to demand or command God to do anything. But as I’ve told my family many times: It doesn’t hurt to ask. (And now you know one of the phrases I want to be known for.)
What does God say about asking? Let’s read Matthew 7:11 ESV It says:
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11 ESV
And now I’d like to close with a poem:
When we come to the throne room
In need of strength for a task
God’s pleased to listen
Because it doesn’t hurt to ask
When we enter His gates
With hope and faith at last
God’s pleased to hear us
Because He longs for us to ask.
~ wlm
When we come to the throne room in need of strength for a task, God’s pleased to listen because it doesn’t hurt to ask. #poetry #faith Click To Tweet When we enter His gates with hope and faith, at last, God’s pleased to hear us because He longs for us to ask. #prayer #podcast Click To Tweet
Sometimes I pray for little things like an opportunity to photograph a bird or butterfly that’s visiting my garden. I’m nosy-to-know if you ever ask God for little things? (It doesn’t hurt to ask.)
Prayerful blessings ~ Wendy Mac
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Great challenge to ask for the things we are afraid to ask for. I also love your photos of the moth or butterfly that accompany this post.
Thank you, Pastor Pete. I’m glad we can trust God to answer our prayers according to what’s best. His will is always the best way.
This is so timely Wendy for me. I journal too, and feel like I get answers as well. But wasn’t sure if I could trust these are really divine answers. I’m glad to know that someone else does this and receives answers too. I feel such relief. And yes, “Ask and you shall receive” is so true.
Thank you, dear Linda. I suspect the reason why journaling is helpful for hearing God is because it helps us be still before Him. Journaling is a solitary act. Being alone with God, His word, and our thoughts is good for our spiritual growth and health.
Blessings as you continue to enjoy your lovely quiet and still times with God. He loves it when we hang out with Him one on one. <3
Journaling has helped me grow in my faith. I found it was where I’ve asked many things but most of all it helped develop a heart of gratitude regardless of my circumstances. Journaling truly encourages me to “count” my blessings.
Amen, dear Manette Kay. Growth and gratitude are some of the sweetest fruits of journaling. Like David in the Psalms, we may start off penning our sorrows and pains, but in the end we praise God and thank Him for His Presence, power, and provision in our lives. He’s faithful. Being faithful in journaling increases our faithfulness to Him. xo
I love that you asked the Lord to open your womb and were ready to accept His comfort if the answer was “no.” But He did! I wonder if someday we will find out all the things we didn’t get because we didn’t ask…
Thank you, dear Annie. Yes, I’ve wondered that too. I recently heard a testimony of someone having a prayer answered that they’d given up on. It turned out someone else had kept praying. How gracious and generous of God to help us out when we’re weary.
Blessings.