Finding Freedom in Sacrificial Surrender Through Journaling
- julielarue95
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God –this is your true and proper worship. Romans12:1 NIV
A couple months ago, I heard the Lord tell me to start writing. I am sure I am not the only one that wishes I heard the Lord more clearly. I wrote down the words “start writing” in my Bible journal with a question mark behind them. What exactly does the Lord want me to write? I wrote for my college newspaper for a brief time, and I look back at that time of my life with fond memories. I turned this idea over in my mind and prayed about what the Lord may mean. A little while later I heard someone who is gifted in the prophetic say that before he gets a prophetic word that he will hear the Lord say to start writing. Could that be what God was saying to me? A short while later, I felt compelled to bring a pen and paper to church to take notes. That day our pastor talked all about how journaling is another way for the Lord to speak to us. Journaling helps us to keep Scriptures with us, records a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and allows us to think more deeply about our life and choices. Our pastor said journaling grows our self-understanding and self-evaluation, give words to our feelings, gives time and space to our emotions, alleviates stress and prevents overreacting. I agree with him that writing is therapeutic in numerous ways and can help us process deep emotions and lessen stress. So, to obey the Lord when he was clearly speaking and giving confirmation, I started writing in my Bible journal. This is my act of obedience. I want to obey what God has asked of me. The Lord desires that we live a surrendered life and give our all to him. He does not want lukewarm believers. As it says in Romans 12:1, our bodies should be a holy and living sacrifice. Being a Christian does not mean just saying a prayer or saying you believe in God so you will go to heaven, it means surrendering your life to Christ. Truly surrendering. Our lives should be a holy sacrifice. We should ask Him what he wants from us each day. Total surrender is what He desires. While I wait to hear more from God, I will be obedient in what I know he is currently asking of me. I will write.
Understanding Sacrificial Surrender
Sacrificial surrender means giving up our own desires, plans, and fears to embrace God’s will. It involves humility and trust, recognizing that God’s plan is greater than our own. This surrender is often challenging because it asks us to release control and accept uncertainty.
Sacrifice implies giving up something valuable.
Surrender means letting go and trusting fully.
Together, they form a spiritual posture that invites transformation.
This kind of surrender is not about weakness but about strength—strength to admit our limitations and rely on God’s power.
The Role of Journaling in Spiritual Growth
Journaling is more than just writing down thoughts. It is a spiritual discipline that helps clarify feelings, track progress, and deepen understanding. When applied to sacrificial surrender, journaling becomes a tool to:
Reflect on personal struggles and victories
Identify areas where control is hard to release
Record prayers and insights from scripture
Track moments of spiritual breakthrough
Hear from the Lord more clearly
Share our prayer requests and concerns with Jesus Christ
By writing regularly, you create a sacred space to dialogue with God, listen to His voice, and document your journey of faith. Handwriting actually activates more areas of the brain than typing on a keyboard. Expressive writing for 15 to 20 minutes quiets down the brain's emotional center. Gratitude journaling activates regions in the brain that regulate mood and motivation.
How to Use Journaling to Embrace Sacrificial Surrender
Here are practical steps to use journaling as a means to surrender sacrificially and connect with the Lord:
1. Set a Clear Intention
Begin each journaling session by stating your desire to surrender more fully to God. This could be a simple sentence like:
“Lord, help me release my fears and trust Your plan.”
This intention sets the tone and invites God’s presence into your writing.
2. Write Freely About Your Struggles
Don’t censor your thoughts. Write honestly about what you find difficult to surrender. The Lord knows it all anyway. For example:
Fear of the unknown
Desire for control over outcomes
Doubts about God’s timing
This honesty creates space for healing and growth.
3. Reflect on Scripture and Spiritual Insights
Incorporate Bible verses or spiritual quotes that speak to surrender and trust. Reflect on what these passages mean for your life. For instance, journaling about Proverbs 3:5-6 can remind you to trust God with all your heart. If you are like me, the act of writing and holding the pen helps me to keep my focus on the Lord and not get sidetracked with other things. My body has something to do while my mind connects with the Lord. You can also write out Scripture in pretty fonts if that helps you.
4. Record Prayers and Answers
Write your prayers as conversations with God. Later, note any answers or feelings of peace that come. This practice helps you see God’s faithfulness over time. One practice we have used is to highlight prayers that have been answered, which helps us to remember the Lord's faithfulness.
5. Celebrate Small Steps of Surrender
Acknowledge moments when you successfully let go of control or chose faith over fear. Celebrating these steps encourages continued growth.
Connecting with the Lord Beyond Journaling
While journaling is a valuable tool, sacrificial surrender also grows through other spiritual practices:
Prayer: Engage in heartfelt conversations with God, asking for strength to surrender.
Meditation: Spend quiet time listening for God’s guidance.
Worship: Use music and praise to open your heart to God’s presence.
Community: Share your journey with trusted friends or mentors who can support and pray with you.
Combining these practices with journaling creates a holistic approach to spiritual connection.
Tips for Maintaining a Journaling Habit
Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of journaling for sacrificial surrender. Here are some tips:
Choose a regular time each day, such as morning or evening.
Keep your journal and pen in a dedicated, quiet space.
Use prompts if you feel stuck, like “What am I holding onto today?” or “Where do I need God’s help to surrender?”
Be patient with yourself; some days will be easier than others.
Review past entries periodically to see your progress.
The Impact of Sacrificial Surrender on Daily Life
Surrendering sacrificially transforms how you face challenges and make decisions. It brings:
Peace amid uncertainty
Greater clarity in decision-making
Deeper trust in the Lord’s timing
Freedom from anxiety and control
Stronger spiritual resilience
This transformation is not instant but grows steadily as you practice surrender through journaling and prayer. Here is a link to a prayer journal my daughter developed that gives daily prayer prompts if you need inspiration to get started or do better with a prompt.