What kinds of things do you write down about God and your relationship with Him? I mean, physically write down? Anything? Just like I love reading through old notes, texts and emails, I’d argue that reading back through words you’ve written down about your journey with the Lord is worth your time. It can remind you of lessons learned, pull you out of dark moments, increase your gratitude for His faithfulness, and even solidify your beliefs about God’s character and activity in your life. 

But I’m not a journal-er, you might say. To be honest, I’m not really, either. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep some written records of your spiritual ups and downs. Here are 10 easy ways you could use written words to increase your connectedness to Jesus. 

1. Keep a gratitude “journal.” Write down one thing at the end of each day that you’re grateful for—or three things, or 10!
2. Take sermon notes. Do you write things down during the sermon at church? Take notes on what your pastor is teaching. Even if it doesn’t seem super relevant that day, there will probably be a day coming when it will be. And when that day arrives, you’ll be able to turn back to those notes and read/receive the words you need.
3. Write down the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I have a notebook that I use simply to jot things down (sometimes very randomly!) that I just feel the Spirit laying on my heart. 
4. Keep a running list of Bible verses. Whether it’s verses you’re memorizing, verses that have helped you in moments of need, verses that especially convict or encourage you, whatever it may be! Write down the Scripture verses that are important in your spiritual journey.
5. Jot down book notes. If you ever read a book on a Christian topic, don’t just read it and set it aside. Underline things in it, write notes in the margin, highlight key ideas that pop out at you, and/or even write down your culminating big takeaways in a notebook. 
6. Record your prayer requests and answers. Find a place to write down your prayer requests (and other people’s, too?). When one of them is answered, whether with a yes, no, or wait, keep track of it. What a cool way to look back on God’s proven and tangible record of faithfulness over time. 
7. Keep track of your questions. Are there any Bible verses that are always tricky for you to understand? Or do you wonder about certain things recorded in the Bible? Are there general questions about God that linger in your mind? Write them down. And when the Holy Spirit gives you insight on one of them, take note.
8. Write down what you’re learning from Scripture. However you approach and structure your time in God’s Word, definitely write down notes and thoughts about what you’re meditating on and studying. I even write little notes here and there in the margins of my Bible, but I know that’s not everybody’s cup of tea. 
9. Record especially meaningful thoughts about God and the Bible on post-it notes. If there’s one certain verse or reminder that you know you need to read repeatedly and keep fresh in your mind, get that written down on a post-it note, and then stick it in a place where you’ll see it regularly. It’s easy to think you’ll remember a certain insight or conviction, but when you take the step to actually write it down, it becomes more permanent—not only on the actual piece of paper, but also in your heart and mind.
10. Keep track of what your spiritual mentors tell you. …or any followers of Jesus who are perhaps more mature in their faith. When they offer words of wisdom, don’t just let those words fall to the wayside. Make sure you’ll remember them! 

Maybe those ideas will get you started. We live in an age of information overload. There are words, messages and ideas being thrown at us constantly. Our minds are often flooded with … just so much. In the midst of every spoken and written word that comes your way, it’s important to pick some out that need to be remembered. WRITE THEM DOWN!! Don’t let them get lost in the jumble of everything floating around in your brain. Pull them out when you need to remember God’s goodness, faithfulness and power. Read through them when you’re feeling the darkness of the world creeping in too closely. Use them as physical reminders of your journey toward ever increasing maturity in Christ. 

I can’t talk about the importance of written words without thinking about Habakkuk 2:2. Habakkuk was a prophet during the time of Jeremiah. In his short, three-chapter Old Testament book, Habakkuk takes his questions and confusions to God. His wrestling back and forth with God is recorded for us to read and learn from. Over the course of the book, Habakkuk asks questions, and God provides some clarifying answers. At one point, God specifically instructs Habakkuk to write down His response so that people could read it and use His words to prepare for the future. 

Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” -Habakkuk 2:2

Perhaps God is telling you the same thing today. Write down the revelation. Keep record of the things you’re learning from and about Him! You might need them someday. Or who knows, perhaps somebody else might need them someday. Take the time, pick up that old writing utensil that’s collecting dust next to your phone charger, and write. it. down.