Journaling: A Journey to Surrender, Healing, and Speaking Life.
- Emma Li

- Sep 19, 2018
- 4 min read

I recently found myself reflecting on journaling— something I’ve always valued but let slip in the busyness of life. Sometimes, it's hard for me to pick up a pen and write in my journal, but God used something very simple, like watching a movie, to remind me of its benefits. Some years ago, I was watching the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie, and it reminded me of the power of words to heal and inspire, as well as the beauty of friendship.
It inspired my heart to pick up my pen again and reconnect with God through writing.
It was often difficult for me to journal, thinking I needed to find a quiet spot or have an extraordinary experience worth putting into words before I could write. But God doesn’t wait for perfection on our part to work in our lives. He meets us in the middle of our mess—amid laundry, dishes, and life’s clutter - wherever we are.
Journaling isn’t just about writing; it’s a way to pour out our hearts and create a space where we gather revelations and surrender them to Him. It’s where we expose hidden fears, confront lies the enemy wants us to believe, and replace them with the truth of His Word.
My Journey Back to Journaling
When I started journaling again, I realized how much I needed it. Writing gave me clarity, helping me surrender my thoughts and emotions to God. It reminded me that He gathers the scattered pieces of my heart and turns them into something beautiful.
Journaling is also an act of speaking life over ourselves. Just as Jesus used Scripture to rebuke Satan in the wilderness, writing His promises down helps us declare truth over our struggles.
A Song to Guide Your Heart
If you’re feeling called to journal, I recommend playing “Speak the Name” by Koryn Hawthorne. This worship song is a powerful reminder of the authority and freedom we find in declaring Jesus’ name over every situation.
The Word of God to Inspire Your Journey
In today's post, I would like to highlight some Bible passages that beautifully illustrate the power of God's Word. From Genesis, where His words created light, to the Psalms, where creation itself declares His glory, to the Gospels, where Jesus rebukes Satan with the Word—it’s a powerful reminder of the authority and life found in His truth.
Genesis 1:3 ESV `And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.
When Jesus was tempted in the desert, he rebuked Satan by saying: "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4 ESV
Going through all these passages gave me a deeper understanding of the value of words and the power behind all these tracked revelations. The Word of God should not be taken for granted, and the revelations received from the Holy Spirit on a personal basis should not be neglected!
While going deeper and deeper, I stumbled upon this Psalm.
Psalms 19:1-14 ESV
``The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer.``
Amen!
How to Start Journaling

1. Set Aside Time – Even just five minutes a day can be transformative.
2. Ask Simple Questions – Write about what God is revealing to you or what blessings you’ve noticed today.
3. Be Honest – Don’t worry about being perfect. Just let your thoughts flow.
Journaling is a journey of surrender and healing. It's a place where we can open our hearts, hear God’s whispers, and discover His truth. So, grab your notebook, press play on that worship song, and let your words bring life and light to your soul.
Your story matters, and God is ready to meet you in it. Let this be the beginning of something beautiful.
Much love,
Emmanuella

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