Journal, Plan or Log Events, Balancing Uncertainty with the Known

When you think of a journal, what pictures come to mind? You might say a diary or planner, possibly a memoir. But journaling takes many forms, including the former plus art, bullet, food, gratitude, scrapbook, etc. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines a journal as:

“2a. a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use:diary

b a record of current transactions especially:a book of original entry in double-entry bookkeeping

c an account of day-to-day events

d a record of transactions kept by a deliberative or legislative body”

These formats are not exhaustive but are a small sample of possibilities that I divide into two types: recording the past and planning the future. Recording the past has been with us since the beginning of time and writing. Man recorded histories of his era. Some of those historians became famous: Moses, Herodotus, Josephus, Plutarch, the Bede, and others. (A need arose for storing and saving the laws and histories resulting in the development of libraries).

The second journal type began in America with the publication of a day planner by Robert Aitken of Philadelphia in 1773; unfortunately, the world was not ready for arranging appointments and it failed. But in 1850 a demand for appointment books, diaries, ledgers, etc. led to the publication of a new product popularized by Union soldiers during the Civil War. See, Boston Globe article, “The Daily Planner: An American History,” Molly McCarthy, June 2, 2013. With the publication of a planner, the push for scheduling of events was in full swing.

Since my early teens, I have been a journalist, one who records thoughts and impressions. Initially, my journals contained my insights when reading a passage of Scripture, recording what I thought it meant and what actions I should take considering the meaning. As I matured, this quiet time journaling, as I called it, expanded to include my impressions of the world, conversations, ideas, and relationships, but the foundation stayed the same, documenting my spiritual walk with the Lord.

Why do others write a journal? Why has journaling ballooned so much in the last few years? Is it just because it is an effective method to control the use of time? My hypothesis is that given the current climate of uncertainty, the fast pace of life, the loss of identity, people may try to control not only their schedules but their environment. They achieve this by scheduling meaningful events and accomplishing goals through planning, documentation, and recording memories.

To a certain extent, this is fine; we should be prepared for moving forward and living with a purpose. But what about arrangements for today, vacations, meetings, etc.? Do we consult God about those plans? Am I guilty of trying to arrange my day without including what God might have planned? How do I know what God wants me to do today? These are all deep waters to wade through and would broaden the discussion, but would make this post rather lengthy. However, to keep to the point, God’s instructions to contemplate while planning should include:

• Be just, humble, and merciful (And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV).
• Love your neighbor (Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31 NIV).
• Rejoice in all things (Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).
• Pray about all things (Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5 NIV).

These commands are a tall order for anyone. But if I can incorporate these basic Christian tenets into practice for the day, I will walk in the way of honoring God. However, this does not mean God will unveil ahead of time events that toss in a curveball that changes the world, like COVID-19, 9/11 or the beginning of WWII. Nor does it mean I will do these things perfectly, totally obeying all God desires. It simply means the sudden change will not derail my relationship with God.

The path to living may not include the same way of wage earning, buying, or selling, or engaging with others. All around me can change, but God stays the same. And when the world falls apart, I will not collapse because God will hold me in his hands.

Finally, pray for what you are planning. If it is what God wants, it will happen; if it is not, it will not.

Maranatha,

S.D.G., Soli Deo Gloria, To God Be the Glory!