When You Aren’t Artistic!

If you’re new to Bible journaling, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing some of the best tips to help you get started on this meaningful and creative journey. Let’s dive in and begin this exciting adventure together!

You Can Do This!

Are you thinking, “But I’m not artistic at all!” Trust me, I understand. When I started Bible journaling a few years ago, I hadn’t done anything remotely creative since grade school!

Here’s the thing: God is the ultimate Creator—the most amazing artist in the history of forever! And I believe He’s placed a spark of creativity in each of us. You are His masterpiece, and whatever you create, when done for His glory, is beautiful in His eyes. He’ll look at your work and say, “Well done!”

But maybe you’re still feeling hesitant. Is it because you’re worried you’re not artistic? If so, I totally get it. I’ve been there!

I remember seeing those stunning, Pinterest-worthy Bible journal pages and feeling completely overwhelmed. How could I ever create something like that? Honestly, my first attempts were far from perfect. They felt clumsy compared to what I can do now—but that’s okay! Growth comes with time and practice.

That’s why I’m here to guide you step by step through the beginner’s guide to Bible journaling—even if you don’t consider yourself artistic. Let’s start this journey together!

What is Bible Journaling Anyways?

You might be thinking, “This sounds nice, but I just can’t do it.” Let me stop you right there—Bible journaling is for everyone, no matter your level of artistic ability. Seriously! Whether you’re a beginner or haven’t picked up a pencil crayon since grade school, God doesn’t measure your creativity the way you do.

Below is a recent journal created using an old greeting card. You can do this!!

Here’s the truth: when you take time to glorify God through creativity, He blesses the process. Even if your artistic side feels dormant—or if you think you’ve never had one—it doesn’t matter to Him! What matters is your heart, your willingness to try, and your desire to connect with Him in a meaningful way. So don’t worry about whether your work looks beautiful to you. When it’s done to honor God, it’s already beautiful to Him.

Now, let’s clear up a little misconception. The term Bible journaling doesn’t completely capture what it’s all about. For me, it’s more than just creating art; it’s also about Scripture Writing, verse mapping, and reflecting on God’s Word. It’s a way to dig deeper into scripture, renew your mind, and grow in faith daily.

That said, what most people mean when they say Bible journaling is actually creative Bible journaling art. (That’s a bit of a mouthful, which is probably why the term was shortened!) In essence, Bible journaling is an expression of praise and worship through creativity. The great thing is, there’s no right or wrong way to do it—there are endless possibilities for how you can create!

Here are just a few ideas to spark your imagination:

• Coloring with colored pencils!
• Painting with acrylics or watercolors!
• Decorating with stickers or washi tape!
• Decoupage using napkins!
• Stamp art for fun patterns!
• Lettering scripture or meaningful words!

The options are endless, and every technique allows you to connect with God in a unique and personal way. So grab your materials, let go of whatever is holding you back!

5 Beginner’s Tips to Guide You!

Getting started with Bible journaling is easier than you might think! The first step is deciding whether you want to use a journaling Bible or a notebook—both are excellent options, and each offers unique benefits.

If you’re not ready to journal directly in a Bible, that’s perfectly fine! A notebook is a fantastic alternative, giving you extra space to create and reflect. You can use it to write out verses, jot down prayers, or record your personal insights about how God is speaking to you. A lined notebook can be especially helpful as a guide for neatness, while an unlined sketchbook is great for freeform creativity. Choose what feels right for you!

If you’d like to try a journaling Bible, there are many beautiful options available. Journaling Bibles often come with wide margins or blank sections designed specifically for notes and artwork. I personally love mine—it’s been such a blessing on my creative journey! If you’re unsure which one to choose, try searching for journaling Bibles with your preferred version on Amazon. (Using my affiliate link helps support this guide!) You’ll find plenty of options to explore.

No matter what you choose—a Bible, a notebook, or an art sketchbook—what matters most is your heart for connecting with God. Pick the tool that inspires you and gets you excited to start your Bible journaling journey!

Have you ever noticed that some of the most popular fonts are the ones that look imperfect—irregular, crooked, and uneven? That’s because there’s beauty in imperfection!

That’s why I always recommend using your own handwriting in your Bible journaling. Embrace its uniqueness! In fact, I often make my lettering intentionally uneven so that any little quirks, like one stroke being longer or shorter, blend right in. It’s a simple trick that takes the pressure off—and it works beautifully.

So, stop striving for perfection and let your handwriting shine. It’s personal, authentic, and a reflection of you. Remember, your journaling is an act of worship, not an art competition.

To help you get started, here are 5 simple strategies I often share on my blog and in my Facebook group, Jesus Journaling:

1. Embrace imperfection—it’s part of the charm!
2. Practice lettering styles to find what feels natural!
3. Experiment with different pen weights and colors!
4. Add flourishes, like hearts or swirls, to make it uniquely yours!
5. Use simple guides, like lined paper, if you need a little structure!

These tips make it easy to get creative and enjoy the process. So grab a pen, let go of perfectionism, and start making your Bible journaling uniquely yours!

I started by writing out the verse with a Prismacolor Marker. If you’re new to this or feeling uncertain, you might want to use a pencil first—it gives you the flexibility to make adjustments as you go.

Next, I used a pencil to thicken the downstrokes of the letters, preparing them to be colored in later. I thought it might be helpful to take a picture (see below) at this stage so you can see exactly what I did before adding any color.

After that, I went over all the words, as well as the bird, dragonfly, flower, and leaves, using gel pens to add definition and detail. (See above) For coloring, I alternated between gel pens and Prismacolor pencils. (Full disclosure: I don’t always bother sharpening the pencils—it’s a personal preference!)

For the banner at the top, I used a Crayola Twistable. These are great for lightly shading larger areas and adding soft, smooth color to your designs.

This step-by-step approach keeps things simple and allows for plenty of creativity along the way!

Pray While Bible Journaling

In the busyness of mom-life, finding time to pray can feel like an impossible task. But what if you could turn your Bible journaling into a way to deepen your prayer life? By combining creativity with intentional prayer, you can connect with God while creating your masterpiece.

It’s easy to get caught up in the act of drawing or painting and lose sight of the verse that inspired your artwork—I know, because I’ve done it too. That’s why learning to pray while you journal is so important. It’s about more than art; it’s about inviting God into your process and centering your heart on Him.

Prayer is a discipline, something we need to consciously and intentionally make room for in our day. If we’re not careful, we can fill our time with ‘good things’ that ultimately distract us from prayer. And let’s be honest—the last thing Satan wants is for us to pray.

So, how do we make prayer a natural part of our Bible journaling? Here are some tips to help you stay focused:

• Reflect on the verse. Before you start creating, take a moment to meditate on the scripture and ask God to reveal His message to you.
• Pray as you go. While you draw, paint, or write, speak to God about the verse. What does it mean to you? How is it relevant to your life right now?
• Pause for gratitude. Thank God for His Word and for the time you’re spending with Him.
• Journal your prayers. Write them down alongside your art as a lasting reminder of your conversation with God.

By incorporating prayer into your journaling, you’ll not only grow closer to God but also bring a deeper meaning to your creative practice. So slow down, be intentional, and let your journaling time be an act of worship and connection with Him.

Maybe you are like me when my kids were little, and you are never alone for your Quiet Time! Include your kids in journaling art and teach them to color quietly while you spend time with Jesus.

Be Present with Jesus While Journaling

You might think, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body!” But I encourage you to give Bible journaling a try anyway. You may be surprised at the gift God has placed inside you, just waiting to be discovered.

Have your quiet times felt stagnant lately? Does reading through a chapter feel more like a chore than a joy? If so, you’re not alone—it happens to all of us! But Bible journaling can breathe fresh life into your time with God, transforming it into something deeply meaningful and personal.

Being present with Jesus while journaling helps you to:

• Refocus your time with God. Journaling redirects your attention from simply checking off a to-do list to genuinely connecting with Him.
• Find joy in spending time with Him. As you create, you’ll notice how much you look forward to this time of worship.
• Engage more deeply with Scripture. It encourages you to go beyond surface reading and truly interact with God’s Word.
• Slow down and meditate. The creative process forces you to pause, reflect, and let the Scripture sink into your heart.
• Internalize God’s Word. Journaling helps you carry the message with you throughout your day, making it a part of your thoughts and actions.

Bible journaling isn’t something to rush through or check off a list—it’s a sacred moment of worship, prayer, and connection. The act of creating a journaling page, whether it’s drawing, coloring, or writing, gives you the time and space to meditate on Scripture in a way that feels fresh and meaningful.

So, if you’re feeling hesitant or uninspired, let Bible journaling be the tool that reawakens your heart and draws you closer to Jesus. Embrace the process and watch how it transforms your quiet time into something truly beautiful.

This example of journaling art uses a page from an old planner with the verse written on paper and glued into my Interleaved ESV Journaling Bible. Easy peasy for the artistically challenged!!

Common Questions for Beginners

If you’re new to Bible journaling, you probably have some questions—and that’s completely normal! Below are a couple of the most common questions beginners ask, along with resources that provide detailed solutions tailored to your personal needs.

Question 1: How can you Bible journal when your time is limited?
Answer: Check out my guide, Simplicity in Bible Journaling When Time is Limited, for tips on how to make the most of your journaling time, even on busy days.

Question 2: What Bible should I choose for Bible journaling?
Answer: My post, Choosing a Bible for Bible Journaling, will walk you through the best options for finding the perfect journaling Bible to fit your style and preferences.

By following these links, you’ll find practical solutions and advice to help you get started and grow your confidence in Bible journaling. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, there’s always a way to make this practice meaningful!

What Beginners Need to Know

I truly hope this beginner’s guide to Bible journaling has been a source of encouragement and inspiration for you today. Remember—don’t let self-doubt hold you back, because…

YOU CAN DO THIS!
YOU’VE GOT THIS!

Dive in and start journaling for God’s glory. Let this creative practice take you deeper into His Word, drawing you closer to Jesus each day. As you journey through scripture, you’ll discover Him as your greatest treasure and grow in love for Him like never before.

So, let me ask you: What’s one thing that stood out to you from this guide?

If you’re ready to take the next step, you’re going to love the You Are Enough Journaling Workbook! I created it just for you to make this journey even more meaningful. Get started today and let the joy of Bible journaling transform your quiet time with God!

Renew your mind with this FREE Renew Me Bible Reading Plan!!