What’s the Difference Between Bible Journaling and Bible Coloring?

When I need to slow down and life gets crazy around me, I’ve found that one of the best ways to have quiet time is by engaging in the creative act of coloring and journaling in my Bible!

Have you tried it? In recent years, both Bible journaling and adult coloring have become popular trends within the Christian community. Although the two activities may appear similar – for many of us, the activities often overlap – there are a few key differences between these forms of creative expression:

• In Bible Journaling, we primarily create our own artwork, notes, and journal entries in specialized, wide-margin journaling Bibles as we study the Word of God.
• In Bible Coloring, we primarily focus on coloring beautiful illustrations that professional artists have already designed for us as we meditate upon and memorize God’s Word.

Both Bible journaling and Bible coloring hold great appeal for Christians who are looking for new ways to explore God’s Word, but Bible coloring is especially appealing for those who have never journaled before and long to express themselves creatively!

Why should we consider coloring in our Bibles? Here are a few good reasons to start!

1. Coloring helps us alleviate our stress, anxieties and fears while establishing us in God’s Word.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Many of us tend to think of coloring as a childhood pastime, but coloring isn’t just a pleasant activity for kids. Coloring has been used as a therapeutic relaxation tool since the early 20^th century with proven benefits!

Researchers have discovered that coloring helps us regulate stress, anxiety and even PTSD by calming down the amygdala – the part of our brain that controls our fight or flight response.

As we learn to calm down and eliminate stressful thoughts from our minds, we grow in our capacity to focus on what God is saying to us through Scripture. We can then let God’s thoughts sink deep into our body, mind and spirit and, as we digest His Word, let it transform our lives!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

2. Coloring allows us to spend quality time with our kids, our family, and our friends while enjoying and sharing Scripture.

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. – Psalm 34:3

Coloring is a universal bonding activity that everyone – from youngest to eldest – can participate in and enjoy! Coloring is inexpensive; it does not require specialized skills or tools. Not only does coloring through the Bible provide families and friends with a great way to study God’s Word together, it also provides families with a fun evangelistic tool for sharing God’s love with those who do not yet know Him!

3. Coloring provides us with a creative way to worship God and enjoy His presence.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. – Psalm 62:1

After spending a busy day tending to the needs of my kids, I often feel too tired to engage in taxing intellectual activities – but coloring activates parts of my brain that refresh my mind, disengage me from my day, and allow me to redirect my attention back to the present moment! As I concentrate on the shapes before me and decide what colors to pick for my project, I no longer have room for distracting, negative thoughts. In a more relaxed state, I can meditate on God’s Word, more easily memorize Scripture, and more readily pray His Words back to Him!

The new NIV Inspiring Words Holy Bible: 52 Verses To Color is the latest coloring Bible to hit the stands, and it’s the perfect gift to share with our families and friends! This Bible invites us and our kids to create beautiful works of art in our Bible and, in the process, to easily meditate upon and memorize Scripture! The snazzy floral foil cover on this hardcover Bible makes it particularly appealing to our daughters and their girlfriends.

There’s also the NIV Beautiful Word Bible Coloring edition, and coming this fall are four fun-filled editions of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls and Teen Girls (releasing October 3, available now for pre-order): http://store.faithgateway.com/beautiful-word-bible-for-girls

When we teach our kids fun and creative ways to learn God’s Word, such as memorizing Bible verses as we color them in our Bibles, we may find our kids passing up a day at the pool for an afternoon worshiping God with their crayons, coloring pencils and markers!

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Your Turn

What excites you most about creatively coloring your way through God’s Word? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!