Starting the new year with journaling and a Bible Study plan is the perfect way to ring in a new year. A new year often brings a list of new habits you want to develop. This article will uncover practical suggestions on how to start or grow your current journaling and Bible reading each day habits.
Getting Started
If you're like many people, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. If you're looking to make some changes in your spiritual life, why not try journaling and Bible study?
Journaling can be a great way to process your thoughts and emotions, and it can also be a tool for prayer and self-reflection. If you're unsure where to start, try setting aside some time each day or week to write in your journal. You can use prompts from a devotional or write about whatever is on your heart.
Bible study is another great way to grow in your faith. It can be done alone or with a group, and there are countless resources available to help you get started. If you are unsure where to begin, keep reading; I have suggestions! Taking time each day or week for journaling and Bible study can help you spiritually start the new year off on the right foot. Give it a try today!

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Types of Journals
Many journals and Bible study methods are available to help you grow your faith. Below are some popular options:
- Devotional Journals: These journals typically contain daily devotionals and space for your reflections and prayers. They can be a great way to start or end your day in God's Word.
- Topical Journals: These journals allow you to focus on specific topics, such as prayer, worship, or a particular book of the Bible. This can be a great way to dig deeper into areas of interest.
- Lectionary Journals: These journals follow the church calendar and provide readings for each week. This can be a great way to stay connected to the larger Body of Christ and reflect on Scripture together.
- Doodle Journals: These journals are perfect for those who like to journal with art (doodles, sketches, etc.). Many people find that this process helps them to better engage with and remember what they're studying.
- Prayer Journals: These journals provide space for written prayers and lists of people or things you're praying for. This can be a helpful way to keep track of your prayers and see how God is working in the lives of others.
Journaling Prompts
If you're looking for ways to add some new journaling and Bible study habits to your life this year, you can try a few things. One great way to get started is by using journaling prompts. These can help you focus on specific topics or areas of your life that you want to work on, and it can be a great way to reflect on your progress over time.
There are many journaling prompt ideas, so it's worth looking around and finding ones that resonate with you. Once you have a few prompts in mind, set aside some time each day or week to work on them. It doesn't have to be a huge time commitment; even 10-15 minutes can make a big difference.
In addition to journaling, another great way to grow in your faith is through Bible study. This can be done in various ways, but one of the most effective is using different Bible study methods. There are different approaches, so it's worth exploring what's available and seeing what works best for you.
When it comes to Bible study methods, one popular approach is known as inductive Bible study. This involves looking at a passage of Scripture and then observing, interpreting, and applying its truths to your life. This is a great way to dig into the meaning of the text and how it applies to your own
Making the Habit Stick
One of the best ways to make your new journaling and Bible study habits stick is to set aside a specific time each day or week for them. Find a time that works for you, and then put it in your calendar or schedule. And don't be afraid to share your new habit with someone who will hold you accountable!
Another way to make sure your new habit sticks is to start small. If you're not used to journaling or studying the Bible, start with just a few minutes each day. You can gradually increase the amount of time you spend as you get more comfortable with the process.
Finally, don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a day here or there. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. The important thing is that you're trying to develop a deeper relationship with God through journaling and Bible study.
Planning Your Study Plan for the Year Ahead
Planning is key to getting the most out of your Bible study time. By developing a study plan for the year ahead, you can ensure that you're making the most of your time in God's Word.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Determine what you want to learn. What topics or themes do you want to focus on in your studies? Spend some time prayerfully considering this before moving on to step 2.
- Find resources that will help you reach your goals. Once you know what you want to learn, it's time to start looking for resources to help you achieve your goals. This could include books, commentaries, articles, online resources, etc.
- Create a schedule and stick to it. One of the best ways to ensure you're staying on track with your studies is to create a schedule and stick to it. Dedicate a specific day and time each week (or whatever frequency works best for you) for Bible study, and make it a priority. Remember, consistency is key!
- Stay flexible and adjust as needed. While having a plan is essential, don't be afraid to adjust as needed. Life happens, and sometimes our plans need to change along with it. Be flexible and willing to make adjustments as necessary so that your Bible study remains a priority in your life.
I'm excited to have some new journaling and Bible study habits for the New Year! I'm confident that these new habits will help me to grow closer to God and better understand His Word. I encourage you to try these new habits and see how they impact your spiritual growth.