Bible Journaling the Old Testament: A Creative Guide to Discovering God's Story

The Old Testament is rich with history, poetry, prophecy, and the unfolding plan of redemption. Bible journaling through the Old Testament allows you to experience the depth of God’s character, faithfulness, and promises in a powerful and personal way. Here’s your guide to creatively engaging with the Old Testament through journaling.

1. Start with the Big Picture

Before diving in, take a moment to understand the overarching narrative of the Old Testament:

• Genesis to Deuteronomy (The Law): God's creation, covenant, and the formation of His people.
• Joshua to Esther (History): Stories of leadership, battles, exile, and God's enduring presence.
• Job to Song of Solomon (Wisdom & Poetry): Deep questions, emotional prayers, and songs of love and praise.
• Isaiah to Malachi (Prophets): Warnings, promises, and glimpses of the Messiah to come.

Journaling with this structure in mind helps you trace the themes of redemption, justice, mercy, and God’s relentless pursuit of His people.

2. Choose a Journaling Approach

Here are a few creative ways to journal your way through the Old Testament:

• Verse Mapping: Choose a key verse from your reading, define key words, explore context, and write your insights.
• Character Study: Journal about figures like Abraham, Ruth, David, or Elijah. What did they struggle with? How did they respond to God?
• Themes and Symbols: Track repeated imagery like covenants, sacrifices, or altars and reflect on their spiritual meaning.
• Promises of God: Highlight and reflect on God’s promises throughout history.

3. Create Space to Reflect

As you read:

• Ask, What is God revealing about Himself?
• Note how people responded to His commands.
• Record questions, confessions, or prayers prompted by the text.
• Use art, color, and creative layout to express your responses visually if that helps you connect.

4. Journaling Prompts by Section

The Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy):

• "What does this story teach me about God's covenant love?"
• "How does this law reveal God's holiness and my need for grace?"

Historical Books (Joshua–Esther):

• "Where do I see God working behind the scenes?"
• "What can I learn from this leader's choices?"

Poetry and Wisdom (Job–Song of Solomon):

• "Which emotions in this Psalm or proverb resonate with my life today?"
• "What wisdom do I need to apply?"

Prophets (Isaiah–Malachi):

• "What warning or hope is God giving to His people here?"
• "How does this point forward to Jesus?"

5. Using HolyJot to Journal the Old Testament

HolyJot offers tools to make Old Testament journaling more structured and spirit-filled:

• Daily Prompts tailored for OT themes
• Character and Timeline Tags to help track major events
• Prayer Journals connected to Scripture passages
• AI Reflections to suggest deeper insights and cross-references

As you work through the Old Testament, HolyJot can guide you to pause, reflect, and apply God’s Word in everyday life.

6. Give Yourself Grace

The Old Testament can be complex. Don’t rush. Allow God to speak in the quiet moments. Even difficult passages carry truth about God's justice, mercy, and redemptive heart.

Let the Story Change You

Bible journaling through the Old Testament is more than study—it's communion. It's an invitation to experience God’s unfolding story and see how your own life fits into His eternal plan. Take it one chapter at a time, and let your journal become a place of encounter, worship, and transformation.