In the Scriptures, God expressed the fountain of His heart through prophetic scribes. Their writings continue to stand as a witness of His everlasting love and promises to humanity. Due to the faithful diligence of a few, the written Word of God speaks to and transforms the hearts of humankind to this day. This week, we’ll talk about hearing the voice of God through His Word and through the practice of journaling.
Hold On for the Ride
“Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.” Psalm 55:22, MSG
As a child, I loved to pile my favorite dolls and stuffed animals into my little red wagon, plop myself in the middle of them, and charm my father into pulling me around. It was a lot more fun than pushing or pulling someone myself.
“Hold on! Here we go,” he’d warn.
With his big strong arms and long strides, he’d lean forward pulling me up the gravel drive in my wagon piled high with toys. The ride was bumpy, but it only added to the adventure. When he turned at the end of the drive, I’d squeal, “Faster, Daddy, faster!” Then with the breeze brushing my face, I’d open my mouth wide and say, “Ahhhhh,” just so I could hear the vibration of my voice as the wagon bounced along the gravel.
The fun was always over much too soon―much faster than when I was the one doing the pushing or pulling.
When was the last time you were simply along for the ride? There are times when God requires us to participate in our circumstances, asking us to draw upon his strength as we push or pull through. At other times, he asks us to relax in the process and wait on His timing.
Positioning myself in the presence of my Father through journaling helps me to discern my role as I travel through rocky situations. To pause and write out my concerns as I lift them up to the Lord helps fix my focus on 
Him as I seek the answers I need. As I read in His Word of His marvelous works and His love for me, I’m reminded that my trials pale compared to His unmatched ability to carry my load and pull me through.
If you’ve never tried journaling, are you ready to give it a whirl? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and find a cozy place to curl up. Then, with a pretty journal and your 
favorite pen, write away. After you pour out your heart, don’t forget to listen for God’s voice. Give Him time to speak. Pull out the Word or a cherished devotional. As you study, listen for key words that leap off the page, phrases that relate to what you’ve written, or a running theme. Above all, pay attention to the gentle tug of the Holy Spirit upon your heart. If you fail to get clarity or receive peace concerning your issue, continue daily to bring your petitions to God and trust in His timing.
Until then―hop in! There’s room in my wagon for you.
“Faster, Daddy, faster!”
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4, NLTIn His Love,
Starr
The older I get, the more I need to write things down. I’ve even written appointments on my calendar and missed them because I forgot to look. When I write something down but fail to take it to heart, its presence upon the page is a witness against me: I’m without excuse. However, when I write something down and live by it, my life is the witness and no excuses are necessary.
the grocery store with my parents, catching ten minnows in the creek with a friend, the combination to my school locker. However, tucked among the predictable details was a catastrophic event that changed the course of history and halted my age of naivety―November 22, 1963, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In spite of subsequent empty pages, that was the final entry in my girlhood journal.
Most of us approach life with a preconceived idea of how we want things to turn out. When life takes an unexpected turn, it’s easy to get discouraged. Journaling helps me step back and gain God’s perspective as I focus on His goodness instead of my circumstances.
Samuel in today’s text positioned himself near the ark of God in the temple, we also must position ourselves in God’s presence. It sounds simple enough, but relentless distractions creep in and attempt to crowd out our intended time with Him. If we persist in our commitment to focus our hearts and minds on Christ through regular times of Bible study and prayer, our ability to discern God’s voice will increase.