Something that really helps to keep me accountable during Lent is journaling. Journaling each day helps keep my mind focused. Rather than giving up or forgetting the reason I started the forty days of drawing closer to God, I’m able to journal my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Sometimes, I write down prayers and other times I bullet journal a few of the struggles I’m having.
For example, when I’m struggling to stay off social media, I jot down 5-10 things that social media has taken away from me. Then I write down 5-10 ways my relationship with Jesus has grown since giving up social media for Lent. By doing this each day throughout Lent, I was able to keep pushing on when it was hard. And to be honest, once you give up something for about two weeks, you don’t really think about it that much. Instead, you start thinking about how much time you wasted on social media, watching TV, or whatever might be your “poison.”
Talk with the Lord as you journal, and ask Him what you can do to stay strong. Sometimes, a few ideas will come into your head, and then you will be able to journal a game plan to keep yourself accountable. Whenever the forty days get hard again, you can return to this game plan, talk with the Lord in prayer, and keep pushing forward.
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