Journaling with Jesus: My Lifeline to Peace, Purpose, and Presence
By Bev Jessup | Creativity Released
Journaling with Jesus: My Lifeline to Peace, Purpose, and Presence
If life feels heavy, noisy, or overwhelming, this is for you.
I want to share something deeply personal: how faith-based journaling became my lifeline. Not just a hobby, but a sacred practice that helped me regulate my emotions, make sense of the chaos, and draw closer to Jesus during seasons of burnout, anxiety, and spiritual dryness.
I’m Bev Jessup, founder of the Creative Sanctuary — a creative faith-based community for Christian women who long to reconnect with God and reignite their spiritual flame through journaling, art, and prayer.
A Lifeline, Not a Hobby
This simple habit has saved my sanity more than anything else. Journaling with Jesus helped me show up with more peace and confidence—not just for myself, but for my family, my clients, and this ministry. The Creative Sanctuary was born from this sacred rhythm of pouring out my heart and hearing God speak back.
Journaling became my way of being real before God. Not my "church best," but my raw, honest self. It’s where I breathe deeply, lay down the burdens I’m carrying, and simply be with the One who knows me.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." —Isaiah 26:3
Writing as Worship
This isn’t about beautiful calligraphy. It’s not performance. It’s presence. It’s worship.
When I journal, I pour my heart out to God. Then I ask a question and wait. Sometimes, the response that flows is filled with words I would never have chosen myself. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit whispering truth into my situation.
You don’t need to be a writer to write. Just be willing. Keep your journal nearby, make it part of your morning or evening rhythm. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about being faithful.
The Science of Stillness
Handwriting isn’t just nostalgic; it’s neurological. Studies show it improves memory, emotional regulation, and helps our brains slow down and organise thoughts.
When I was overwhelmed by caregiving, family health crises, and the noise of everyday life, journaling slowed my spiralling thoughts. God met me on the page.
Stillness isn’t laziness. It’s a bold act of trust.
"Be still, and know that I am God." —Psalm 46:10
In a world that glorifies hustle, stillness is rebellion. It says, "I don’t need to have all the answers. I just need to stay close to the One who does."
Processing, Not Rehearsing Pain
Journaling helps us process pain, not rehearse it. We’re not journaling to stay stuck, but to move forward—to hand our tangled stories over to Jesus and let Him untangle them.
From a psychological perspective, unprocessed emotions loop endlessly in our brains, fuelling stress and confusion. But when we write by hand or creatively express our feelings, we activate the part of the brain responsible for truth, reasoning, and regulation.
"When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth." —John 16:13
Gentle Prompts to Journal with Jesus
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are three journaling prompts to help you pause and pray:
What do I need right now?
What’s mine to carry, and what isn’t?
What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?
These prompts have anchored me in seasons of chaos. Sometimes I start with single words. Sometimes I just sit and scribble. But always, I invite Jesus into the page.
Sacred Rituals, Ordinary Spaces
You don’t need a perfect space. Light a candle. Brew a cup of tea. Play some worship music. Let your ordinary moment become a sacred one.
Inside the Creative Sanctuary, we nurture this rhythm together. We journal, create, reflect, and cheer each other on. Not for perfection, but for peace.
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." —Matthew 11:28
An Invitation
If this resonates with you, I invite you to our next live session:
🎨 Paint Peace with Watercolour & God
Saturday, 21st June at 4PM UK Time
You’ll experience a heartfelt session that gently invites you to journal, create, and find peace through God’s presence. This is also our launch event for the Creative Sanctuary—a place where faith meets creativity.
So grab your journal. Light that candle. And just show up as you are. Because God is already there, waiting to meet you.
With love and creative blessings
,Bev Jessup
Founder, The Creative Sanctuary
