Decrease Your Stress, Increase Your Optimism
Are you stressed over the state of our nation? If so, you’re not alone. Last fall, the American Psychological Association discovered that almost two-thirds of Americans listed ‘the state of the nation’ as their primary source of stress. They ranked it above both money and work,” cited the Denison Forum.
Christians are to be Christ’s light in the world. But often, we’re among the stressed and anxious.
How can we rise above the worry?
Jesus answers that question. He tells us to ask our Heavenly Father for our needs. (Matthew 6:33-34, 7:7) Jesus told the disciples to pray at all times and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
If praying is Christ’s recommended stress buster, then why are Christians so stressed?
Is it because we mindlessly pray the same prayers? Is it because God answers our prayers but we don’t focus on how He’s answering them and give Him praise?
What if, picking up a pen and spending a few minutes jotting down your prayers and gratefulness to God each day could decrease your stress and increase your optimism? Would you do it? Join the #AttitudeOfGratitude Movement.
7 Benefits to Journaling
1. Journaling increases your intimacy with God.
Short prayers sent heavenward throughout the day are good. However, if my husband and I only visited for brief moments or when multi-tasking, we wouldn’t have the intimate relationship we enjoy.
1 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
Tweet this:
When we make time to be alone with God with our journal and pen in hand, He notices.
2. Journaling increases your focus and concentration which makes your prayer time more productive and effective.
Instead of wasting time because of a wandering mind, journaling gives you profitable time in focused prayer.
3. Journaling renews your mind.
Research shows that “when we write something down, as far as our brain is concerned, it’s as if we were doing that thing. Writing seems to act as a kind of mini-rehearsal for doing.” When we prayerful write our prayer, “Fill me with your love and patience,” it signals to our brain, “this is important.” When we journal Scripture, it renews our mind.
4. Journaling helps build your memory, mindfulness, and faith.
When we write, it’s as if we’re writing the words in our memory. If you aren’t receiving my free subscription to “365 Days of Praise,” please feel free to sign up HERE. I’ll send you a different name
or title of God every day on which you can focus. When you write His character trait in your journal, it increases your knowledge of God, builds memories of His faithfulness, and makes you more peacefully mindful of Him.
5. Journaling increases your overall well being.
Reports show that people who keep a gratitude journal are more optimistic than those who don’t. Optimism improves our physical and mental fitness. Jot down something for which you’re thankful every day in the Month at a Glance section. Be a part of the #AttitudeOfGratitude 
6. Journaling tunes your ears to God’s voice.
In Isaiah 55:3, the Lord says, “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live.” When we kneel or sit before God with journal and pen in hand, we are, in effect, lifting up our soul for Him to speak to us. This is one of the biggest blessings of journaling.
What’s the seventh benefit? You’ll find it and tips for journaling in Prayers of My Heart. Am I passionate about journaling? Yes, for the above reasons and more.
Prayers of My Heart prayer journal is a tool to help you pray and celebrate God’s answers; a tool that can decrease your stress and increase your peace.
Get started in your journal today. Buy HERE. Join the #AttitudeOfGratitude Movement!
Mark your calendar: Facebook Live Launch of Prayers of My Heart – Tuesday, July 10 at 8 p.m. LIKE our MINISTRY PAGE for the latest news and daily inspiriation.
