When friends ask about getting started with Illustrated Faith, eager to dive into Bible journaling, more often than not it is the same thing holding them back. The idea of creatively studying scripture is enticing, but the fear of messing up can be paralyzing. I know it’s what held me up at first.
Something feels so permanent, like there’s this pressure to get it just right when journaling in the Bible. But friends, let me tell you (I’d shout it from the rooftops if I could) that it is in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM about being perfect!
Whether you have all the trendy scrapbooking supplies on hand or it is simply you, the Bible, and a pen or two, you have enough to dig in the Word and respond in the margins. Sometimes I paint, sometimes I use stickers, sometimes I sketch beforehand, and sometimes I just go with the flow. What I love about it is that every day can be something different, but no matter what method I use I am still in the Word, learning about the Savior of the world.
No one is perfect. Well, no one but Jesus, and His grace is sufficient for us! He paved the way, paying the price, so we don’t have to be perfect. We are not expected to be perfect. We are simply asked to draw near to the Lord, obey His commands, and love as He loves. It doesn’t matter if our sketches are elaborate or our embellishments glittering on each page. What matters is knowing the heart of God so He can lead us forward. That’s what I want to be after when I dig in my journaling Bible. Not some false expectation of perfection.
To be honest, I have had this idea for a blog post for a while, and I had already mapped out what I was going to write and say, picturing the images I’d share and the page I’d write just so. But then in the actual creation of today’s pages I used more water than usual, dotted the “U” instead of the “I”, and dropped my black marker on the page more than once. Looks like I needed to take my own advice. And I did. Sitting in Galatians even with a page that didn’t turn out quite like I expected, I still learned something, and perhaps more lessons than one.
So if you are like I was, worried about messing up or not being artistic enough to try your own hand at Bible journaling, be encouraged! It is a process just like you and I are a process. We are imperfect and learning, and what a joy it is to do so!
Simply Art watercolors | Illustrated Faith Genesis Kit | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd precision pen | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Fold It tab stickers | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Point it stickers | ESV Journaling Bible
Yes! So true! None of my pages ever turn out perfect.
I feel this is similar to my approach on scrapbooking. Yes, I want to use my creativity, but I am also doing it for a higher purpose…i.e. scrapbooks so that we can remember the moments, bible journaling to further my bible study. So really, I need to let go of my perfectionism and just enjoy the process and LEARN from the passages I am choosing. Thanks for this post!!
Really needed this post today… thank you!!