The Israelites were ready to go in
and conquer their Promised Land. But before they could, they
reflected on several things first. Amongst others, the whole Law of
God was recited to them again in order to ensure that they knew it
off by heart before they encountered the godless Canaanites.
Another thing they reflected on was the journey that they took. God
had told Moses to keep record of their progress throughout the
wilderness.
"At the Lord's direction, Moses
kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of
their march, identified by the different places they stopped along
the way." Numbers 33:2
Here Moses reflected again on the
journey that they took. Each place where they have been are
mentioned and recorded here. And I can just imagine Moses
reflecting on each and being grateful to God that they had come
this far.
In our Christian journey it is also
helpful to keep record of things that God had placed in your heart
and of the progress that you are making on a spiritual level. I
have a journal where I write down what God has placed in my heart,
text verses that people give me, prophecies that have been spoken
over my life as well as spiritual events that happen in my
life.
I have found this journal to be
very helpful for three reasons. One, I can see the story of my
spiritual growth unfolding. It is wonderful to see the similarities
between different events and to realise that God is confirming
certain things for me. It gives me hope and it strengthens my
faith. Secondly when I reach a low point in my spiritual journey,
it is helpful to page through my high points and to be comforted
again that God is busy with something big in my life. It also helps
me to realise the growth that have taken place in my life and to be
grateful for God's hand in my circumstances. It comforts me to see
His provision and it makes me realise that He will provide again in
the future. Nothing is too big or too difficult for Him. And
thirdly, reading through my journal helps me not to make the same
spiritual mistakes again. I have found myself battling with the
same issue a couple of times, only months apart and it was only
when I started to record it and read it on an ad hoc basis that I
realised that I am not making progress in this area. I had to force
myself then to rethink my situation and to really put an end to my
struggle with it. God is gracious and good en He certainly helped
me to do just that.
Try and keep a spiritual journal.
You don't need to record something every day, but only when
something relevant happens in your journey. You will find that it
will aid your spiritual growth and will lift you up when you need
it the most. It is worth a try.
Father God, thank you that we are
growing spiritually with You. Thank you that You aid us in our
growth. We want to grow closer to You every day, that is our
deepest heart's desire. And thank you that we can know that Your
Spirit is always there to help us. Thank you Jesus. Amen