by Steve Spence

This is part two in a three part series in dealing with the personal devotional life of the youth pastor.

Journaling has become one of the most grounding parts of my quiet time with the Lord. It didn’t start that way. In fact, for a long time I resisted it. I didn’t want to feel like I was keeping a diary or trying to write something that sounded “spiritual.” But over time, I realized that journaling isn’t about creating a record for others to read—it’s about creating space for God to speak and for me to process what He’s already doing in my heart.

Most of us in ministry spend a lot of time talking—teaching, counseling, leading meetings, or planning events. We’re used to putting words out into the world. But writing things down is different. It slows you down. It forces you to think, to reflect, to actually notice what’s happening beneath the surface. That’s where journaling has become such a valuable rhythm for me. It gives shape to the quiet moments with God that I might otherwise rush through or forget.

When I sit down in the morning with my coffee and Bible, I open my journal right beside it. I don’t worry about having perfect handwriting or polished thoughts. I simply start writing what’s on my heart—sometimes it’s a prayer, sometimes it’s a reflection from what I just read, and sometimes it’s just a list of what’s weighing on me that day. There’s something freeing about putting thoughts on paper. It helps me see what’s been lingering in the background of my mind, especially the emotions and questions I might not have noticed in the busyness of ministry.

Here’s what I’ve learned: journaling doesn’t have to be formal. You don’t need a structure or a clever system. You don’t even have to write in full sentences. Some days I jot down a few bullet points or short prayers. Other days I fill pages. What matters isn’t how it looks—it’s that you’re honest. Think of it as writing to God. You’re letting Him into your thought process, not cleaning it up for presentation.

Another thing I’d say is—get a good journal. Not a yellow legal pad. Something that feels personal and lasting. There’s something about the physical act of opening a journal, seeing where you’ve been, and noticing what God’s been teaching you over time. I can flip back through mine and see answered prayers, recurring themes, or even seasons where I was struggling more than I realized. That perspective helps me stay grounded and grateful.

Journaling has also become one of the healthiest ways I process what I experience in ministry. When you carry the weight of people’s stories, disappointments, or even your own discouragement, those things need a place to go. Writing them out before the Lord helps me surrender them instead of carrying them silently. It’s like exhaling the things that have built up inside and making room for His peace to fill that space.

If you’re hesitant to start, just begin small. A few lines each morning or at the end of the day. Write about what made you thankful, what made you anxious, or what you sensed God saying. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm.

For me, journaling has become more than a habit—it’s a form of prayer. It’s where I talk honestly with God and where He often reminds me of who He is and what He’s doing. So grab a journal, open it up, and write it out. You might be surprised at how much healing and clarity flows from putting pen to paper in the presence of the Lord.

I’d love to hear how journaling has shaped your walk with God or helped you process ministry life. What rhythms or practices have been meaningful for you lately? Comment below or connect with me through freshcalling.org—I always enjoy hearing from other leaders walking this same road. Let’s keep growing and learning together.