for the one who’s trying to stay soft while life feels really hard
I used to think journaling was only for girls who had their lives together.
Like the girls with color-coded highlighters, perfect morning routines, matching pajamas, and cute little Bible study corners on Pinterest.
While I was trying not to forget to eat breakfast.
But journaling actually became one of the biggest things God used to help me heal.
I put together the most helpful Journaling Prompts for a Difficult Season.
Because there were nights where I literally opened my journal and wrote:
“God I genuinely do not know what I’m doing anymore.”
And somehow even getting the thoughts out of my head helped.
Because when everything stays trapped internally, it starts feeling ten times heavier.
You overthink. You replay conversations. You convince yourself God is distant. You start believing weird lies about yourself.
But journaling helps you slow down enough to actually hear what’s going on in your own heart. I think that’s why it matters so much.
***This post might contain affiliate links, but it won’t cost you anything extra. I only recommend products that I know and love.***
Why Journaling Is So Important During Hard Seasons
I think a lot of us walk around emotionally overwhelmed while pretending we’re “fine.”
Especially as Christians.
We know the verses. We know we should trust God. But sometimes internally we’re exhausted.
Journaling gives you a place to stop performing.
Like… you don’t have to sound spiritual in your journal. God already knows what’s going on anyway.
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 62:8:
“Pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.”
Pour out. Not “organize perfectly.” Not “say the right thing.” Not “be impressive.”
Just pour it out.
I also think journaling helps you notice patterns.
Like maybe every time you feel rejected, you suddenly isolate. Or every time you’re anxious, you try controlling everything. Or every time you’re hurt, you become super hard on yourself.
You start seeing what’s actually happening beneath the surface.
And once things come into the light, healing gets room to breathe.
Also… future you will be so thankful you documented this season.
There are journal entries I look back on now and I’m like:
Girl. God really carried you through that.
A Few Things That Make Journaling Feel Less Like a Chore
I’m convinced romanticizing healing a little bit actually helps.
So if you want journaling to feel cozy instead of intimidating, these are a few things I genuinely love:
- The Five Minute Journal because it’s super simple and not overwhelming
- My favourite Gel Pens that make me want to process my emotions more
- The Jesus Bible because it’s genuinely beautiful and makes quiet time feel special
No pressure though. You absolutely do not need aesthetic supplies for God to meet you. A notes app and emotional honesty works too.
20 Journaling Prompts for a Difficult Season
1. What am I acting “chill” about that actually hurt me deeply?
Because sometimes we laugh things off when we’re actually sad.
2. What has been taking up the most emotional space in my mind lately?
Not what SHOULD matter. What actually keeps replaying in your head?
3. If I stopped trying to be strong for everyone else, how would I honestly describe this season?
4. What am I afraid God is going to ask me to let go of?
Whew. Yeah.
5. What kind of comfort have I been reaching for besides God?
Scrolling? Shopping? Attention? Isolation? Overworking?
No shame. Just honesty.
6. What do I think God is trying to teach me right now that I keep resisting?
7. What version of myself am I mourning?
The happier version? The less anxious version? The version before the heartbreak?
That grief is real.
8. What thoughts show up the second I make a mistake?
That inner voice matters more than we think.
9. What do I need to forgive myself for?
Not just other people. You too.
10. Where have I confused being productive with being worthy?
This one changed me honestly.
11. What am I secretly exhausted from carrying?
Be specific. Not the filtered answer. The real answer.
12. If Jesus physically sat next to me right now, what do I think He’d say to me?
Not the harsh voice in your head. Jesus. ❤️
Matthew 11:28 says:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
I think we forget God actually wants to comfort us.
13. What lies have I started believing because this season has lasted longer than I expected?
Things like:
- “Nothing will ever change.”
- “God forgot me.”
- “Everyone else is moving forward except me.”
- “I’m too much.”
Now write truth beside every lie.
14. What kind of people leave me feeling emotionally safe?
And who leaves me feeling emotionally drained?
Important distinction.
15. What parts of my life look okay externally but feel empty internally?
This question is sooo important because functioning and thriving are not the same thing.
16. What prayer have I quietly stopped praying because disappointment made me scared?
God can handle honesty. Seriously.
17. When do I feel closest to God lately?
Late night drives? Worship music? Nature walks? Church? Crying in the shower?
No judgment.
18. What would healing realistically look like for me right now?
Maybe healing isn’t becoming a brand new person overnight. Maybe it’s just:
- sleeping better
- eating consistently
- talking to God again
- crying less
- setting boundaries
- not checking their profile anymore
Small progress still counts.
19. What am I still waiting for before I allow myself to feel joy again?
A relationship? An apology? A breakthrough? A different body?
You deserve moments of joy now too.
20. Who is God shaping me into through this season?
Not just what are you surviving. Who are you becoming?
Romans 8:1 says:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
And honestly I think a lot of us need that reminder.
Because hard seasons can make you start talking to yourself in really cruel ways.
But Jesus is not standing over you disappointed.
If You Don’t Know What To Write
Start messy.
Seriously.
Your journal does not need to sound deep. You do not need perfect handwriting. You do not need a three-hour morning routine.
You can literally start with:
“God, today was hard.”
That’s enough.
Some journal entries will sound poetic. Others will sound emotionally unwell. Both are fine.
The point is honesty.
One Last Thing
If you’re walking through a difficult season right now, I just want to remind you:
Don’t try and do it on your own. God is there for you.
And honestly? Some of the sweetest intimacy with God happens in seasons where you realize you genuinely cannot carry yourself anymore.
Galatians 6:9 says:
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
So keep going. Even slowly. Even imperfectly.
One day you’re going to look back at this season and realize God was holding you together in a million tiny ways you couldn’t see at the time.
If you liked this post, you may also like:
-‘How you can change your life by journaling daily‘
-‘How to Thrive in Faith During a Financially Difficult Season (Trusting God as Your Provider)‘
-‘Christian Meditation Isn’t What You Think It Is (And It Might Be What You’re Missing)‘
Leave a Reply