3 Lessons I Learned From Bible Journaling

In January 2015 I began Bible journaling. What is Bible journaling and how can it make your Bible study more effective? Here are three lessons I have learned.

A few years ago, I found it difficult to get excited about Bible study. I had a very logical and methodical approach to studying God’s Word, but being a more creative thinker meant that I often found the method I was using mentally exhausting. I would come away from my study time feeling tired instead of encouraged and inspired.

A creative approach

That began to change in late 2014. In addition to the understanding I received from attending Foundation Institute, I began to notice something on my social media feed. Some of my friends were using arts and craft supplies in their wide margin Bibles to create beautiful works of art, sometimes working notes in and sometimes just illustrating the main idea of a verse or passage.

I found the illustrations so inspiring, compelling and beautiful that I had to try it for myself! I bought a wide margin Bible and began to create entries during my study time that reflected the lessons I was learning.

In the past year, Bible journaling has helped me highlight and illustrate lessons I’ve learned from Bible study in the margins of my Bible. Here are three things I have learned from Bible journaling:

1. It’s okay to add unique approaches to how you learn from the Bible.

There are multiple ways we can learn from God’s Word. God created us all unique, and we all have different learning styles and gifts (Romans 12:4-8). Some people learn better with a cerebral approach, while others learn better visually—through diagrams or illustrations. I knew that I was one of those visual people, but until I learned about Bible journaling, I wasn’t sure how to use visuals in my Bible.

Bible journaling is a way you can be creative while you’re studying God’s Word. If you are a visual learner, it can help you enhance and remember things you learn while you study.

2. Your work doesn’t have to be perfect.

When I began Bible journaling, I felt really intimidated by all of the wonderful examples I found online. Other people were so talented, they had the prettiest paints and stamps, and their handwriting was gorgeous. I was also afraid that I would ruin my Bible with mistakes I made when I journaled!

I quickly realized that no matter what the outcome, the most important thing was what I learned from spending time in God’s Word during the time I spent journaling. Even if my entry wasn’t something I would display for others, the time I spent thinking and meditating on Scripture was spiritually beneficial. It gave me time to focus intensely on the words and their meanings. The more I meditated on scriptures, the more I understood.

Regardless of how neat your notes are or how beautiful your illustrations, any time spent meditating on the lessons we learn from God’s Word can be extremely valuable!

3. Share the lessons you learn.

If it weren’t for others sharing their unique approach to Bible study, I would never have discovered Bible journaling. The Bible instructs: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another” (Colossians 3:16). There are many ways of teaching: by example, in a formal setting, by sharing and more. When you share your story, the lessons that you have learned (big and small) can help others.

You don’t have to be an artist to draw or paint in your Bible. If it helps you remember what you have learned in God’s Word better, don’t be afraid to try Bible journaling.

To learn about different strategies for Bible study, read “How to Study the Bible,” “Bible Study Topics,” “Bible Study Tools: Where to Start” and 7 Keys to Better Bible Study.

Tammy Valley is a member of COGWA Houston North and a Foundation Institute graduate. She is currently working full-time and pursuing a degree in communications.