Refined for a New Beginning: A Meditative Bible Journaling Experience

What if the mess you're in right now isn't a mistake... but a refining fire?

There's something sacred about slowing down with paint and paper and Scripture. Something that happens when we stop trying to make things perfect and simply make space—for God to speak, for our hearts to soften, for something new to begin.

Today, I want to invite you into a gentle, meditative Bible journaling process. Whether you're brand new to this practice or you've been journaling for years, this page is about refinement—the kind that burns away what no longer serves us and reveals something truer, lighter, cleaner underneath.

What You'll Need

Before we begin, gather these simple supplies:

• A journal or mixed media paper

• Watercolors (gold or metallic if you have it)

• Old magazines

• Glue stick

• White PVA glue

• A circular object to trace (a cup, lid, or stencil)

• A pen for Scripture

• A quiet heart

Don't worry about having "the right" materials. Use what you have. This isn't about perfection—it's about presence.

The Process: Four Layers of Refinement

1. The Gold Circle — God's Wholeness

I started by tracing a circle onto my page.

A circle has no beginning and no end, and that's why I love it. It reminds me that God is whole, steady, and complete—even when my life feels anything but.

I painted the circle in gold watercolor, letting it dry slowly, like a quiet promise: God is doing something... even when I can't see the finished picture yet.

Pause and reflect: Where in your life do you need to trust that God is still working, even while things feel unfinished?

2. Tearing Flames — The Fire That Refines

Next, I reached for a stack of old magazines and started looking for colors and patterns that caught my eye. I didn't overthink it—I went with what I loved. Bold colors. Interesting textures. Unexpected combinations.

Then I tore the paper into long flame shapes. Not perfect. Not symmetrical. Just honest.

Because refinement rarely looks tidy.

Sometimes God's purpose burns off what doesn't belong—fear, striving, people-pleasing, old labels, the need to perform. And what's left is truer. Lighter. More like who we were created to be.

Hold this gently: What might God be burning away in you—not to harm you, but to free you?

3. Layering and Sticking — Building a Testimony

I layered the torn pieces over the gold circle and stuck them down with a glue stick, building up the "fire" slowly, piece by piece, color by color.

And I love that... because that's how God works in our lives too.

Not usually in one dramatic moment, but in layers:

• A prayer here

• A breakthrough there

• A hard conversation

• A change of direction

• One act of obedience at a time

When the layers were placed, I sealed everything with white PVA glue over the top. That part matters to me because it's like saying: God, I'm committing this. I'm letting this become part of the story.

Ask yourself: What layer is God asking me to add right now—one small step of faith—even if it doesn't make sense yet?

4. Writing the Verses — Letting Scripture Interpret the Fire

Once everything was set, I wrote five verses around the page. Because I didn't want this to be just my interpretation of life—I wanted God's Word to frame it.

Here are the verses that anchor this page:

"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone; the new is here."

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

What "old" is God helping you release? Old wounds? Old ways of seeing yourself? Old patterns that no longer fit who you're becoming?

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you."

(Ezekiel 36:26)

Not just new circumstances. A new heart. A new way of being. A transformation from the inside out.

"For He will be like a refiner's fire... He will sit as a purifier..."

(Malachi 3:2–3)

I love the word sit. God is not panicking in your process. He's present. He's attentive. He's purposeful. He knows exactly what He's doing.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time... but later it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace."

(Hebrews 12:11)

Sometimes what feels like delay is actually preparation. Sometimes what feels like pressure is producing peace you don't have yet.

"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him... who have been called according to His purpose."

(Romans 8:28)

Even this. Even now. Even what feels like fire.

What This Page Taught Me

As I worked on this page, I realized something important: refinement isn't punishment—it's preparation.

The fire doesn't mean God is angry with us. It means He loves us too much to leave us where we are. It means He sees who we're becoming, and He's willing to walk with us through the uncomfortable middle—the tearing, the burning, the rebuilding—to get us there.

And maybe that's the invitation today.

Maybe God is asking: Will you trust Me in the fire? Will you believe that what I'm burning away is making room for something better? Will you let Me refine you for the new beginning I have planned?

Your Turn: Create Your Own "Refined" Page

If this process spoke to you, I encourage you to try it yourself.

You don't need to copy my page exactly. Choose your own colors. Your own verses. Your own reflections. Let this be your conversation with God.

And if you're thinking, "I'd love to try Bible journaling, but I don't know where to start..."—I have something for you.

📖 Grab My Free Guide: "Your First Bible Journaling Page"

This step-by-step guide will walk you through:

• Choosing your first verse (without the overwhelm)

• Simple techniques you can start with today—even if you don't consider yourself an artist

• How to make it meaningful, not just pretty

Because here's the truth: you don't need to be a professional artist to meet with God on the page. You just need to show up.

Download your free guide here →

No spam. No pressure. Just you, God, and the page.

A Prayer for Your New Beginning

God,

Thank You for the fire.
Thank You that You don't leave us where we are.
Thank You that refinement—though uncomfortable—is evidence of Your love.

Help us trust You in the process.
Help us see what You're burning away as kindness, not cruelty.
Help us believe that what's coming is better than what we're leaving behind.

Give us new hearts. New spirits. New beginnings.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Let's Stay Connected

I'd love to hear from you!

• What is God refining in you right now?

• Have you tried Bible journaling before?

• What's one "old thing" you're ready to let go of?

Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram [@creativityreleased] — I read every message, and I'd be honored to pray for you.

And if you want more meditative Bible journaling videos, creative devotionals, and inspiration for your faith journey, subscribe to my YouTube channel and let's create together.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for trusting God in the fire.

You're being refined for something beautiful.

🧰 Tools I Love (Optional for Your Quiet Time)

You don’t need any fancy tools, but if you want to enhance your creative journaling time, these are my personal favourites:

• New Living Translation Journal Bible
  https://amzn.to/42wY5ci

• Uni Pin Fineliner Set
  https://amzn.to/46bGWXY

• Pigma Micron Fineliners
  https://amzn.to/469aKEN

• Watercolour Paper
  https://amzn.to/45ZSVrB

• Zig Kuretake Gansai Tambi 36 Color Set
  https://amzn.to/4gkFBS2

• Derwent Inktense Watercolour Pencils (Set of 36)
  https://amzn.to/4nrdQtf

⚠️As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the ministry at no extra cost to you.

🔗 Other Helpful Links

• 💛Heal & Reset with God Bundle (only £7):https://christianartjournaling.com/heal

• 🛍️Shop Journaling Supplies:https://christianartjournaling.com/shop

• ✉️Join the Newsletter:https://christianartjournaling.com/newsletter

• 🎨Join our FREE Skool Community:https://www.skool.com/bible-journaling-club-3471/plans