Fighting Temptation with Pen and Paper: The Power of Bible Journaling

Hey there, friend. Let’s be real for a moment—have you ever been in the thick of temptation and felt like it was impossible to fight back? Whether it’s biting your tongue when you’d rather let loose, resisting a habit you know isn’t good for you, or staying focused on God when distractions are everywhere, we all know the struggle. It’s tough. But here’s some good news: Bible journaling can be your secret weapon in this battle. Let me share how it’s worked for me and how it might help you, too.

1. Anchoring Your Mind in God’s Word

You know that verse in Psalm 119:11 that says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (ESV)? That’s exactly what Bible journaling helps us do. When you take time to write down scripture, highlight it, or even doodle around it, you’re doing more than just being creative—you’re planting God’s truth deep in your heart.

So when temptation pops up (because it always does), journaling Lamentations 3:22-23 (“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”) can remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness and bring your heart to a place of peace, even in moments of anxiety or temptation.

2. Engaging in Prayerful Reflection

One of my favorite things about Bible journaling is how it slows me down. It’s not just about reading the words; it’s about letting them sink in. When I’m journaling, I’ll often turn the verse into a prayer or ask God for help with a specific temptation I’m facing.

It’s like having a heart-to-heart with God, but on paper. Writing it out makes it so personal and tangible—and somehow, that makes it stick.

3. Identifying and Memorizing Truth Statements

Here’s a game-changer: create a list of truth statements that speak directly to the areas where you struggle most. These are short, scripture-based affirmations you can journal, decorate, and keep handy for those moments when temptation hits hard.

For example:

• When I’m tempted to compare myself to others: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
• When I’m tempted to lash out: “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
• When I feel like giving up: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Write these in your journal or turn them into cute cards with stickers and colors. Keep them where you’ll see them often—your nightstand, your car, or even taped to your mirror. They’ll serve as little reminders to turn back to God when you need it most.

4. Reviewing God’s Faithfulness

Here’s something I’ve learned: temptation loves to mess with your head, making you think you’re stuck or that God’s not going to come through for you. But when you’ve been journaling, you’ve got proof of God’s faithfulness right in front of you. You can flip back through your entries and see all the ways He’s helped you before.

Those reminders? They’re powerful. They’re like little battle cries: “God showed up then, and He’ll show up now.”

5. Creating Accountability Through Community

Have you ever shared one of your journaling entries with a friend or a small group? It can feel a little vulnerable, sure, but it’s also so encouraging. When you let someone else in on what you’re learning and where you’re struggling, it creates this amazing sense of accountability.

Knowing someone is praying for you or checking in can make all the difference when temptation feels overwhelming.

6. Engaging Your Senses to Focus on Truth

There’s something about physically writing, coloring, or decorating a verse that makes it come alive. You’re engaging your mind and your hands, and that helps the truth really sink in. Plus, let’s be honest—it’s fun! And the more memorable you make a verse, the easier it is to recall when you need it most.

A Personal Example

Let me share a little story. A while back, I found myself filling my mind with things that weren’t godly—things that distracted me from God’s truth and made me more vulnerable to temptation. I knew I needed to redirect my focus, so I turned to scripture.

I decided to memorize Romans 6, a chapter that speaks about being dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. Every time temptation crept in, I would repeat those verses over and over to myself. I wrote them out in my journal, decorated the pages, and let the truth of God’s Word fill my mind. Over time, those verses became my defense. They reminded me of who I am in Christ and gave me the strength to say no to sin and yes to God.

So how do I start?

Listen, temptation is tough. But you’re not in this fight alone. Bible journaling gives you a way to actively engage with God’s Word, reflect on His truth, and arm yourself with the tools you need to stand firm. And the best part? You’re growing closer to God through it all.

You don’t have to go at it alone. With the Bible Journaling Idea Kit Subscription, you’ll receive stickers, devotional videos, and everything you need to create your own temptation-fighting toolbox just like the cards and entries pictured in this blog. Each month, you’ll get inspiration and practical tools to help you dive deeper into God’s Word and stay anchored in truth. It's so easy when you have the right supplies.

So grab your journal, pick a verse that speaks to your heart, and get started. You’ve got this—