Creating a Victory Section in your Journal

If you have ever struggled with something time and time again then this post is for you. For many years I battled and struggled with the same sin. It was hard. It was frustrating. As a Christian I wanted to do what was right and I'd even determine to do what was right but shortly after, I'd go out and fall down flat on my face again. 

It took me a long time to come out of that dark valley but I did and I am here because Jesus is faithful and brought me out. The Bible says He sets the prisoner free and I can attest that that is true. Something that really helped me was creating a victory section in my journal. I have no idea why I created this but I'm sure The Holy Spirit put the idea in my head. 

I created a 'victory' section in my journal for the moments when I would get super emotional. My emotions and heart would tell me so many things and they were all big fat lies. I finally decided that I needed to write some truths down in concrete. That way when I was alone and my emotions started with the crazy talk I could open that section, read Biblical truths and come back to my senses and stay on track. It wasn't easy but it really helped! 

If you decide to write a victory section I can't tell you what exactly to write but I can give some guideline of things I put down and hopefully they will be a help to you.

Scripture | The best thing is Scripture. Scripture is solid truth and you can always trust it. I looked up verses that God had given me to help me fight my battle and wrote them down. I even had someone randomly e-mail me once telling me that God wanted them to tell me about James 1:12. Although it felt a little odd I was really glad my friend listened to God and that verse was a big help to me. 

Quotes | Write down some good, Biblical and truthful, quotes that apply to your situation. You can go to Pineterest and look for Biblical quotes or even Google. My only word of caution is that you need to make sure quotes align with Scripture. You don't want a quote that says "follow your heart" because the Bible says we aren't to follow our heart (Proverbs 28:26).

God Stories | I mentioned above that I struggled for years. I also know that during those years God, undeservingly, poured out love into my life. I can recall moments when I was at rock bottom and God did something specific to keep me going and living for Him. Moments like that ... write them down! Seeing what God has done and how he loves you keeps you going. 

Others | This might sound weird but write down how continuing in sin will hurt those you love and write down how living correctly will help those you love. Sometimes that gives you a perspective of how you can effect others, both positively and negatively.

Be Vague | This might just be me but I never wrote down "I sinned again by _____ and _____". I don't see it as healthy to write down sins. In Christ, my sins are under the blood, forgiven. Philippians 4 also commands us to think on only things that will give virtue and praise and writing down sins doesn't fit that category. I also keep in mind that someday someone could read that journal and some things are better left unsaid.

Your Own Topic | I don't think a section in your journal just has to do with battling a big sin. It can be a topic or a life situation with lots of information to encourage and help you. The newest section in my journal is called "Long Distance - for the times when you have to say goodbye". I hope to share the verses, quotes and thoughts I wrote in there because I know my Mom, sisters and friends could use the words of encouragement.

My question for you would be this: When you battle sin what do you do to fight it? What do you do to hold on to truth to keep you focused? If you have something that is really helpful please leave a comment for others to read.

Have you ever created something like this in your journal?