“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

Journaling isn’t the only practice that’s helped me chart a new course for my life after my transformative encounter with the Lord. Honestly, writing out your feelings might be momentarily therapeutic, but the process of journaling alone won’t get you through your darkest night. I never pick up my journal without picking up my Bible first. And here’s why: My feelings can ride along, but I can’t ever let them drive.

Emotions are great indicators of where we might need help or what areas of our character need immediate attention, but emotions do not make good leaders. They will derail us pretty quickly. That’s why it’s important to allow God’s Word to guide us, because God’s Word points us to truth. Feelings often lie, but Scripture will always tell the truth — even if it’s the truth we don’t want to hear.

There’s something so powerful about speaking the truth. That’s why I’ve developed a habit of reading Scripture out loud over myself. There’s always a Scripture verse to combat the lies you believe and the confusing emotions you might be feeling.

When I’m anxious about the future, I read Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

When I’m struggling to love who God made me to be, I read Psalm 139:14: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

When I’m battling shame from my past mistakes, I read 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

When I’m waiting for a breakthrough, I read 1 John 5:14-15: “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.”

Working through my feelings on paper helps me untangle my emotions, but God’s Word is the compass that directs my path. I’d encourage you to allow Scripture to illuminate the next step of your journey.