When Scripture Felt Like a Chore (and What Changed Everything).
In 2016, I found myself at rock bottom.
Everything I knew and everything I had built my life around was crumbling. I was overwhelmed, disoriented, and unsure of how to move forward. Life felt like it was spiraling out of control, and I was desperate for something steady and real.
I knew the Bible held truth. I believed that. I believed God’s Word was living and powerful. But if I’m being completely honest?
I hated reading the Bible.
That’s hard to admit when you’ve grown up in a Christian home, led worship for years, and lived the life of a pastor’s kid. But it was true. I believed in God. I just didn’t enjoy opening His Word. It felt heavy, dry, and distant. I wanted the peace the Bible promised, but I didn’t know how to get there because I really didn’t enjoy spending time with Scripture.
And yet, I still felt a quiet pull toward it, and a deep ache to experience God, not just to know about Him. Even amid chaos, I longed to dwell in the peace of the Word.
What If I Wrote the Scriptures?
I’ve always loved writing. Give me a blank notebook, smooth pens, and a rainbow of markers, and I’m in my happy place. Stationery has always been a quiet joy for me—a creative outlet that feels personal and life-giving. I have years of scrapbooks (is scrapbooking still popular?) and an inheritance of love for stationery passed down from my grandmother.
So one day, in the middle of the mess, I thought: What if I wrote the Scriptures instead of just trying to read them? What if I combined the things I loved—journaling, color, creativity—with the thing I desperately needed: time in God’s presence?
I grabbed a beautiful journal, my favorite pens, and my Bible, and I started writing.
Not studying.
Not analyzing.
Just writing. One verse at a time.
Little did I know that from that painful season and my quiet desire to draw closer to God, Inscribe the Word would be born.
From Pain to Practice
Almost ten years later, I’m still writing Scripture. But now? It’s not a chore. It’s the breath I need to breathe. Being in the Word daily has changed the way I live. It’s awakened a deep hunger for God and a craving to spend time with Jesus. I long to know Him, not just as my Savior, but as my Lord, Comforter, Father, and Friend.
Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
And I’ve found this to be so true. The more I write His Word with intentionality, the more I find Him, and the more I want to know Him.
Why Inscribe the Word Resonates with Our Generation
Across the world, more and more people—especially those in their 20s and 30s—are discovering the practice of Inscribe the Word. As we connect with our community, a common thread emerges: we’re all trying to build meaningful lives while staying afloat in a world that never seems to slow down.
We’re constantly connected, yet many of us feel spiritually disconnected. We’ve been handed a version of faith that often feels distant or performative, and we’re craving something more.
Something real.
Something rooted.
We don’t want checklists.
We want communion.
We want connection.
Does this resonate with you? If it does, this is what Inscribe the Word offers.
Inscribe the Word speaks to those of us who:
Feel overwhelmed and spiritually tired
Want to draw close to Jesus but aren’t sure how or where to begin
Struggle to stay focused in a distracted world
Crave creativity, beauty, and depth in our time with God
Genuinely want to grow but need a simpler path forward
It’s for anyone who is quietly asking, " Is there a better way to connect with God? " I can tell you . . . there is! And it doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with a pen, a plan, a few quiet minutes, and a heart that’s open to Him.
12 Truths I’ve Learned Through Scripture Writing
Over the past ten years of Inscribing the Word, I’ve learned so much on this journey. Not just about God, but about myself, my patterns, my need for quiet, and how the Word really does meet us right where we are.
So, I’ve put together 12 reflections that have profoundly influenced my journey with Jesus, all stemming from the practice of Scripture writing. These truths are for you, wherever you may be, whether you’re just beginning, feeling exhausted, or somewhere in between.
1. Scripture Writing Provides a Sacred Pause in a Hectic World
In our fast-paced lives, finding moments of stillness is crucial. Writing Scripture by hand allows us to slow down, focus, and immerse ourselves in God’s Word, offering a respite from daily chaos. This intentional practice fosters mindfulness and spiritual connection.
Handwriting Scripture Can Reduce Anxiety
2. Handwriting Scripture Can Reduce Anxiety
A significant portion of Gen Z and Millennials experience constant worry. (Source) A survey revealed that 62% of these younger individuals feel perpetually anxious, compared to 38% of older generations. Engaging in activities like handwriting Scripture can serve as a therapeutic outlet, helping to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being.
3. Affirming Identity Through God’s Word
In a world that often challenges our sense of self, Scripture reminds us of our true identity as beloved children of God. Regularly writing and reflecting on these truths reinforces our understanding of who we are in Christ, countering societal pressures and personal doubts.
4. Replacing Screen Time with Scripture Enhances Well-being
The average American spends over five hours daily on their phone. (Source) By dedicating a portion of this time to writing Scripture, we can reduce screen exposure, which has been linked to anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and instead cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth.
5. Connecting with the Eternal Word
In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1), and engaging with Scripture through writing connects us to this eternal truth. This practice helps ground us, reminding us of God’s unchanging presence amidst life’s uncertainties.
6. Processing Emotions Through Expressive Writing
Expressive writing, such as journaling Scripture, has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, thereby reducing anxiety and creating a sense of calm. (Source) This practice allows us to process emotions healthily and find peace through God’s Word.
7. Embracing New Beginnings with Scripture
Just as Nicodemus was invited to be born again, writing Scripture can symbolize a fresh start in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to leave behind old patterns and embrace the new life offered through Christ. If reading Scripture, morning “quiet-time,” and the devotionals have become stale, Inscribe the Word may ignite your passion!
8. Handwriting Scripture Improves Sleep Quality
Insufficient sleep is prevalent among women aged 18-24 (31.9%) and 25-34 (36.4%). (Source) Engaging in calming activities like writing Scripture before bed can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that expressive writing can lower cortisol levels, facilitating better rest.
9. Quenching Spiritual Thirst Through God’s Word
Like the woman at the well who sought living water, writing Scripture satisfies our spiritual thirst. It draws us closer to Jesus, the source of eternal life, fulfilling our deepest needs. (Source)
10. Enhancing Focus by Reducing Information Overload
The average American consumes about 34 gigabytes of information daily, equivalent to 100,000 words. This constant influx can overwhelm our minds. Dedicating time to write and meditate on Scripture helps clear mental clutter and centers our thoughts on God’s truth. (Source)
11. Witnessing God’s Provision Through Small Offerings
Jesus fed thousands with just five loaves and two fish, demonstrating that God can multiply our modest offerings. Writing Scripture, even starting with a few verses, can lead to significant spiritual nourishment and growth.
12. Cultivating Consistency in Spiritual Practices
Forming a new habit takes an average of 66 days. Committing to writing Scripture daily can establish a lasting spiritual discipline, deepening our relationship with God over time.
Ready to Begin Your Inscribe the Word Journey?
You don’t need a seminary degree.
You don’t need a new routine.
You just need a few quiet minutes, our plans, a pen, a journal, and a desire to know Him.
That’s where it starts. That’s where it always starts.
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