If you have read any previous blog posts here, you know I struggle with mental health challenges. Since the fall of 2015 I have battled one of the worst episodes I have yet to encounter. Luck, or God’s grace, would have it that while on my journey of recovery from this dark period, I came upon Illustrated Faith and bible journaling. It came at just the right time. Funny how God works like that, huh? It’s amazing really.
I was making progress on my recovery but still really struggling when I found it. I needed new ways to connect with God because my old ways didn’t feel like they were working. During the darkest of times it felt like I couldn’t connect…like He was too far away. And then bible journaling entered my life. This spring I began to get to know this practice and more and more I find that it truly brings me peace and into a deeper relationship with Christ. I spend more time in the Word than before. I focus more on the scriptures and their meaning. I dig deeper and my art and creativity help me to hold on to the messages and truth God has for me, for us.
When I’m feeling anxious bible journaling helps bring calm and peace to my mind.
When I’m feeling depressed (not just blue, but depressed, depressed) I can turn my focus to God’s word, create a new page and my mood is lifted. (This works when I’m feeling just blue, too.) And guess what, if I’m really needing it, I can do multiple pages to distract from any dark thoughts and depression symptoms I am feeling.
I can write my prayers to God on these pages if I choose. I can spend extra time meditating on the scripture I have been led to for that page. I can just have fun with it, too. It’s a great reprieve from the day-to-day grind.
The bible journaling community has blessed me, too. Connecting with others who share a love of Christ and long to deepen their relationship with him through art and creativity is energizing and helps to curb feelings of loneliness. I find that interacting with this community, particularly on Instagram and through the Illustrated Faith site and their social accounts, I am energized and rejuvenated, plus I learn SO much from them all.
Now, certainly, this isn’t a cure for my mental health issues, but I have found that through bible journaling I have a renewed and deeper desire for further developing my relationship with God. I feel closer to Him and I am learning more and more about His word and teachings. It’s a wonderful experience to have my creative juices flowing again after such a difficult time. Sometimes, as I reflect, it truly feels like one of God’s miracles in my life. As if He reached down, directed me to bible journaling, and put this in my life specifically to bring me out of the pit and to draw me closer to Him.
***As a side note, check my side bar for links to Illustrated Faith and DaySpring…discounts, too! DaySpring is where you can purchase most of the Illustrated Faith products. The Illustrated Faith site has a wonderful community, inspirational and instructional posts and their recently launched #printprayshop where you can purchase downloadable printables.***
Glenda (@tippysmama12)
May 17, 2016 at 12:23 pm (2 years ago)Oh my goodness! I so needed this today! Thank you for connecting with me on Instagram! We are definitely kindred spirits. Praying for you and sending you love and hugs!!
mommymuddling
May 20, 2016 at 9:34 pm (2 years ago)Indeed, kindred spirits! I’m so happy to have connected with you, too. It makes me happy that you enjoyed my post. I greatly appreciate the prayers and look forward to many more times of connecting! XOXOX
D.W.Hirsch
May 17, 2016 at 1:22 pm (2 years ago)I was introduced to this in Mat at Michigan’s scrapbook convention MegaMeet. I do altered books and mixed media, but the thought of defaming a bible was a line I could not cross. When I learned it was more about the focus and reflection, not the process of art for art’s sake only, I see the benefits in that. I’m not at a place where I feel the need for this, but I respect it. All my best. Diana
mommymuddling
May 20, 2016 at 9:38 pm (2 years ago)Thank you for reading and commenting! I have heard many have some of those same reservations. For me, that is the main purpose of having a journaling bible. I see it almost like a spare bible as I still have my other bible for regular use. Also, I began only working in the margins of my journaling bible as I felt like I shouldn’t color or cover over the words at first. But in time, I got used to the concept and enjoy creating “art” around the verses I am focusing on that day even if it covers some of the page. I have found that this practice has brought me closer to God in many ways and it definitely has helped me to really soak up more of the word and retain it better. Thanks again for sharing and for visiting, Diana!
José
May 19, 2016 at 2:28 pm (2 years ago)Your pages look beautiful ! Good to hear it’s something that gives some peace of mind ( I can relate to that ). It may not cure your issues, but it sounds like it’s some step on the up anyway – keep going !
mommymuddling
May 20, 2016 at 9:28 pm (2 years ago)Thank you for the kind words! It definitely is a positive activity and a great part of my therapy regimen that I always look forward to. Hope you are doing well!