Bible journaling is such a beautiful way to grow closer to God. It creates space for reflection, creativity, and personal connection with Scripture. But let’s be honest—if you’re just starting out, it can feel a little overwhelming.
Whether you’re brand new to Bible journaling or just want to refine your process, here are five common mistakes I’ve made (and maybe you have too!)—plus gentle ways to grow through them, using some of my favorite tools from Mr. Pen.
1. ✨ Mistake: Trying to Make It Look Perfect
We’ve all seen those gorgeous Bible journaling pages on Instagram and Pinterest. While they can be inspiring, they might also make us feel like we have to be artistic or aesthetic for our journaling to “count.”
But here’s the truth: Bible journaling isn’t about perfection.
It’s about connection.
It’s okay if your handwriting isn’t neat.
It’s okay if you scratch something out.
It’s okay if your color scheme doesn’t match.
What matters most is your heart. Let your journal be a safe, sacred space between you and God.
2. 🎨 Mistake: Highlighting Everything
I get it—when I first started, I highlighted nearly every verse I read. But later, I couldn’t remember why I highlighted them in the first place!
Instead, try using a color-coding system. It adds meaning to your highlights and helps organize your study.
Here’s a simple example:
- 💛 Yellow – God’s promises
- 💚 Green – Commands
- 💗 Pink – God’s character
- 💙 Blue – Prayers
Mr. Pen’s No-Bleed Bible Highlighters are perfect for this. They’re soft, smooth, and won’t overwhelm your page. Plus, the colors are gentle enough to highlight without distracting from the text.
3. 📖 Mistake: Cramming Everything Into One Page
Another common mistake is trying to journal all your thoughts at once. It’s easy to feel like we have to “finish” a chapter or section in one sitting—but the truth is, spiritual growth takes time.
Leave room to revisit verses later. Sometimes I’ll leave a blank space, or even use a Mr. Pen sticky note or tab to come back with fresh eyes. Give yourself permission to slow down and reflect deeply.
4. 🕵️♀️ Mistake: Journaling Without Context
Before writing down your reflections, pause and ask:
- Who wrote this passage?
- Who were they speaking to?
- What’s happening in the verses around it?
Even a little background can open up a whole new level of understanding. Don’t skip this step—it’ll deepen your connection to the message.
5. 🛠️ Mistake: Not Applying What You Read
Bible journaling isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about transformation.
Ask yourself:
“What does this teach me about God?”
“How can I apply this in my life?”
“What needs to change in me?”
A simple method I love is the SOAP method:
- S – Scripture
- O – Observation
- A – Application
- P – Prayer
You can use this in any notebook, but Mr. Pen’s journals make it easy to organize your thoughts clearly and creatively.
🌿 Final Encouragement: Progress Over Perfection
There’s no perfect way to Bible journal—just an honest, open heart before the Lord. If you’ve made any of these mistakes, know that you’re not alone. I’ve made them too, and I’m still learning.
What matters most is that you keep showing up.
Let God meet you right where you are.
Let Scripture speak to you in new ways.
Let grace guide your process.