It’s hard. It’s hard to clear my mind from all the noise and distractions of my everyday life.
I go behind closed doors to pray, commune with God and listen to His Word, but thoughts bombard me. They won’t go away. How can I cultivate a quiet mind to hear God speak?
I pick up a pen and paper to discover the secret Christians have known for years: Journal. It’s intentional – it’s spiritual.
To journal or not to journal, that is the question. If you’re still not sure please join me in my office and watch what happens when I write the name of Jesus.
“The Written Name of Jesus Christ.”
With pen in hand, I write His name: Jesus Christ.
The sounds of those who’ve miss-used it ring in my ear. I hate the sound. I can’t stand such irreverence. I’m angry at such ignorance. I’m frustrated. They’ve changed even my own perspective.
So I write the name again, but this time, I write Christ Jesus instead. I refuse to let them win.
I write His name again. Jesus Christ.
This time I write it slowly in worship. Jesus Christ.
As I write I recall who He is, and I write:
Savior
Creator
Counselor
God Almighty
Sovereign
Love
I write it again. Jesus Christ. I write it like a new wife writes her name. I write it in awe. He’s accepted me. He’s paid the ultimate price. I write it in reverence. I write it in admiration.
Gone are the voices of dishonor.
Gone are the sounds of abuse.
Gone are the echoes of anger.
Jesus!
Jesus!
Jesus!
There’s something about that name.
Eureka! I’ve found the secret of a quiet worshipful mind in the presence of a Holy God. Journaling
“… wherever I cause My name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.” Exodus 20:24b NIV
Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11NIV
Chris Malkemes
Latest posts by Chris Malkemes (see all)
- God is Faithful and We Belong to Him - April 11, 2017
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- To Journal or Not to Journal? - June 14, 2016
What a sweet meditation that must have been. I’ve been enjoying the pondering of the many names of Jesus found in the Bible as each one provides a different view of His many wonderful qualities. Thanks, Chris, for sharing your experience of appreciating anew the Name Above All Names.
I spent one year in the Bible writing down every description given. It was powerful and the most spiritual awakening in my journaling yet. This wasn’t so easy to write because my human-ness stands out like a sore thumb. I’m human. I’m spiritual. I’m a work in progress. Thanks for you encouraging words.
There is power in the name of Jesus. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your heart.
Absolutely! Thank you for understanding how the world can take that name and try so hard to SNATCH it from us. In His presence we know the truth.
Secret place is where we find blessed peace and His companionship, l love the mornings when all is quiet no distractions no interuptions and there my heart mind is set at peace for the day ! Yes Sista bear l do hear your sweet voice and the giggle that your child hearts does know for certain, His treasure He treasures and His treasure you are! My heart bubbles with you. Jesus the most wonderful name l know He fills up my soul to overflow.
Hi there, Sista Bear. I love it when you visit and read the treasured words from your heart. Thank you. Giggle. Giggle. Visit soon. I need my “Lizzy” fix (let everyone else call you Johnnie. You will forever be my Little Lizzy)
This => “I write it like a new wife writes her name. I write it in awe.” Thank you for this beautiful description of what journal can be. I don’t do it regularly but you have given me a fresh perspective. I rush through my mornings most days. I need to slow down and just worship.
Sorry. I didn’t back to you right away. I took two days away from the computer. I have a happy husband. I’m so happy this encouraged you. I am so addicted now that I sneak out in the middle of the night just to meet Him. Have you ever gone back to your journals a year or two back to see where He was taking you and where you are today? It will amaze you, I’m sure.
Just saying the name Jesus fills me with peace. Writing it and recalling who he is in my journal changes my heart. Thank you for sharing your personal journaling experience with us. It resonated with my own.
Oh Kelly. So many talk about the 12 inches between the brain and the heart. But those of us who journal know the treasure found between His heart and ours as we pen His words.
Thanks for this beautiful reminder of a great way to improve meditative focus.
you are so right about focusing. We are in such a hurry and so many things grab out attention. I love the early mornings because no one is up and making demands. You’re a blessing.