Create an Index of Your Soul: Reflecting on God’s Truths This Year

Embrace reflection through journaling and prayer, letting God reveal and shape the unique truths of your life.

Two years ago we escaped to Western North Carolina to bring in the New Year. Our family hauled up in a beautiful cabin overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains while we played games, watched movies, and spent hours reading and planning for the new year.

The small village, aptly named Little Switzerland, made us feel like we were nestled somewhere in the Alps. The surrounding mountains were breathtaking.

My husband and I vowed to each other that this would be our new tradition. The time we spent reflecting and praying about the coming year brought balm to our souls. 

Life can be so busy we often fail to reflect on our days. But we are meant to be keepers. We are meant to contemplate the days both behind and before us. The infinitive “to keep” means to continue having or holding something. There are things in life worth keeping, and I have found one of the best ways for me to keep my days is through journaling.  

The Power of Reflection

I have always thought best with a pen in hand so naturally journaling is one of my favorite ways to connect with God. I read His Word, and then write down specific truths that He reveals to me.  

But recently, I’ve noticed that even though I spend time writing out these truths in my journal, my days are so full I often don’t take the time to reflect upon what I have written. Reflection is essential to the Christian life.

The Psalmist portrays the importance of reflection when he writes, 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (119:23-24)

The word search in this passage means “to dig deep.” David is asking the Lord to dig deep into his soul. He wants the hidden things–the things lying buried beneath the surface–to come to the light of day. This is an act of soul-searching. It’s asking God to know our innermost self. 

An Index of the Soul

Last year, I decided to go through my journal and reflect upon everything I had written the previous year. I wanted God to search my heart and reveal to me all He had taught me. 

I took the first week of 2024 and read through every line of what I had kept in my journal. This took time. I had to carve hours into my day to reflect, but the process was life-changing. Certain themes began to emerge and I clearly recognized patterns of specific truths the Lord was trying to teach me.

As I read through my journal for the year, I began (what I love to term) an index of the soul. I noticed certain themes were highlighted throughout the year– truths He specifically wanted to teach me. I created an index of my soul with these themes where I listed out the main truths God was showing me.

Our Souls Are Uniquely Fashioned by God

Each soul has a unique shape, fashioned by God. In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis recounts the distinctiveness of our individual souls:

“He makes each soul unique. If He had no use for all these differences, I do not see why He should have created more souls than one. Be sure that the ins and outs of your individuality are no mystery to Him; and one day they will no longer be a mystery to you.”

Our souls are uniquely shaped by God. The truths He teaches me throughout the year may be different from the truths He focuses on with you. Distinct words, phrases, thoughts He speaks to each one of us intimately. And isn’t that the beauty of walking with the Lord? He has a personal relationship with each one of us that is distinct.

When we ask God to search us we are asking him to make known to us what we fail to recognize. It is a request to be thoroughly acquainted with ourselves. An indexing of our soul. A soul that is uniquely fashioned by Him.

By taking the time to reflect, we bring to light the true state of our souls. We unearth the treasures and truths He speaks specifically to us. And what we discover is an index of our souls. 

In His Word

Meditate on Psalm 42:2, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” The Psalmist recognizes his soul’s need for reflection and being in the presence of the Lord. Creating an index of our souls draws us near to God as we reflect on all He has taught us.

In Your Life

Journaling is one of the best ways to create an index of your soul. How can you make time today to record the truths He is speaking directly to you? What is he telling you about himself? What is he telling you about yourself? Reflect and create an index of your soul.

We Recommend

The Marveling Studies by Chris and her husband, Tim. This online course is designed to give you tools to create healthy, God-centered rhythms for personal spiritual formation and your home environment. The course includes a video specifically on journaling and becoming a keeper of your soul.

Let’s Connect

For inspiration on tending to heart and home, follow Chris on Instagram. She also writes weekly devotionals through her Mend membership newsletter on Substack.