A Beginner’s Guide to Bible Journaling

It’s been almost 4 years since I shared a Beginner’s Guide to Bible Journaling. That is pretty hard to believe, but I can say many things have changed since then! 

“A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t” -Charles Spurgeon

The more we read and the more we study the more firmly we are rooted in Christ. When I started Bible Journaling it was like a moment of relief. I have always loved to do crafty things; painting, sewing, scrapbooking. I have loved it all, but I spent a lot of time and hours trying to use my talents for things that were just well….empty. When I purchased my journaling Bible I had no idea what it would turn into. I didn’t realize that I could use those very talents that God gave to me to dig deeper into His word. As I study I can turn the truths I am learning into art on a page…It becomes a reflection of what God is doing in my life. He takes written promises and paints them into something beautiful in my life.

His word is the air I breathe, I cannot live without it. What about you? Does God’s word consume you? How about longing for His word to speak to you? Maybe you are just getting started with Bible journaling or maybe you don’t know where to begin. Here are some of my tips and tools to help you get started! 

1. You don’t need to have a journaling Bible to get started, any Bible will work or even a journal…the appeal of a journaling Bible is that it has margins on the side with space to paint, draw or just write your thoughts on God’s word.

Here is where you can get Journaling Bibles- Crossway. You can also purchase them on Amazon or Lifeway.

2. Grab some fun supplies. They don’t have to be fancy, here are the supplies that I use most often-

Crayola twistable colored pencils, Sharpie pens, Stazon ink pad, Liquitex acrylic paint, Heidi Swapp rotary date stamp. (All items can be purchased at your local craft store or Amazon!)

Michael’s brand watercolor set and Stampin’ Up aqua painter.

WASHI TAPE! I really do love washi tape, you can find washi tape at any craft store or online.

Bible Tabs- You can find great Bible tabs on Etsy, to keep track of the books of the Bible as you study.

3. Look for inspiration! There are so many places to find ideas and learn different ways to do Bible journaling. Search through Instagram or Pinterest to find ideas to get you started. 

(some of our favorite Instagram accounts to inspire you – @illustratedfaith @simply_bible @CoffeeandBibletime @apileofashes)

4. Don’t be afraid to try something new!! When I began Bible journaling and teaching it to others I won’t lie I faced some resistance to the whole painting in my Bible thing. BUT, you will be amazed at what God can teach you in the process of creating beautiful things! 

5. There is no perfect right or wrong way to journal in your Bible. Find your way – make it your own! 

There are so many products that you can use in your journaling Bible, these are just some of the favorites that I use. Don’t be afraid to start, even if you say “I’m not creative.” Anyone can Bible Journal – the purpose is to dig deeper into God’s word and write what you are studying.