One of the ways I love to renew my mind is to take a Bible verse that I know will help me with whatever I’m struggling with and then diagram that Scripture in my journal. Diagramming the Bible verses helps me understand it, embrace it, and figure out how to apply it to my life. In this post, I’d like to share a video I made on how to diagram Scripture.
The first thing I do when I diagram Scripture is to ask what the passage is about. Often I already know what it’s about because I went looking for a Bible verse that would help me in my current situation! In the above video I diagram Matthew 11:28-30. The passage is about being weary and heavy laden, so it’s the perfect passage to diagram when you’re going through something difficult in your life. If you watch the video, you’ll see that I began my journal entry by writing down “weary and heavy laden” and circling it.
After I get the overall picture, I I look for relationships—what does this passage say about being weary and heavy-laden, for example? Does it tell me what’s causing it? Does it tell me how to get over it? I also look for if/then statements (example: if you’re suffering, then pray) or command/promise statements. And I look for guiding principles, definitions, characteristics of God, different ways to love well, or anything else that strikes my eye.
As I’m looking for those things, I record them in my journal using diagrams, arrows, or anything else that helps me see the relationships. Then I apply the passage to whatever is going on in my life at the time. You can see how I do that in the above video. If you’d like to see more examples of diagramming a passage, check out this link: https://barbraveling.com/how-to-meditate-on-scripture/.
If you want to give Scripture diagramming a try, choose a Bible passage that seems to fit your current need and then read it a few times. Mull it over. Ask, “What is this about?” and start writing in your journal. Don’t worry about being a perfectionist. This is more of a freestyle event!
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Scripture diagramming is a way to really get into the Word and let it penetrate our lives. I hope you’ll give it a try!
If you’d like some Bible verse suggestions to try diagramming, check out this short video I did. I’ll have Bible verse suggestions (in the pinned comment) you can use for either breaking a habit or losing weight: Week 5 Renewing Challenge.
I would like to accept the challenge for scripture diagramming. Thank you for this message- this post and the Bible passage were exactly what I needed to hear today. Exactly.
Oh I’m so glad it was helpful, Trish! And glad you’re taking the challenge!
Hi thank you for this! Also, what are you using there to diagram? Is it some kind of electronic notebook?
Hi Donna, Sorry I took so long to reply. I missed your comment earlier! I’m using the Notability app on my iPad. I only use that for the video though. For my own renewing, I just diagram in my journal.
I pre brought your new book coming out and I filled out the form on this website and I have not received any emails. Will you please check and see if you have my entry?
Hi Melanie, I didn’t see your email address as a subscriber on my website or on the pre-order bonus list. Here’s where you sign up for the pre-order bonuses: https://barbraveling.com/saygoodbyetoemotionaleating/ – You need to fill in your info and then press the green “Submit” button. If you can’t find your order number, just type the name of the place you purchased it (Amazon, etc). You should receive an email with sign up bonuses within a couple of hours.
To sign up to receive emails, you fill in the info at the top of my website and then press the green “Go” button. I think that may lead you to a screen where you’ll have to confirm that you’ve signed up – or you may get an email that tells you to confirm. Let me know if those don’t work!
Your diagraming technique brings out hidden meaning and relevancy. Thank you so much.
I feel the same way, Sara. I’m glad you’ve also found that to be true!