Lent

Lent is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter.  It is the time when some Christians choose to remember Jesus’ fast before His temptation in the desert (Matthew 4, Luke 4).  It is also a time of reflection, repentance, and for me - a time of rendering my heart.  

A lot of people might read that and say, but aren’t you supposed to be doing those things every day?  And my answer is, of course.  However, honoring specific times where I try to do my best to dig a little deeper and try a little harder are helpful in my walk.  Like my senior pastor likes to say, “Grace is opposed to earning.  Grace is not opposed to effort.”

Not everyone agrees with the ritualistic liturgical (Church Year) calendar and as someone who doesn’t claim a denomination I know I don’t observe all that is on it, but I think there is something special about not only choosing to celebrate Christian Holy Days, but also observing the times in Jesus’ life that were of great significance and of great sacrifice.

Remembering His sacrifice is why I choose to observe not only Lent, but Advent as well.  During the period of Lent, even though it may seem miniscule in the grandeur of God’s Plans, every time I deny myself whatever it is I am fasting from, I remember that God chose to sacrifice on my behalf, so that the miracle of Christ’s resurrection was made possible.  I remember that He was tempted, tried, and tested in every way – for me – and for all people.  I remember that He did not consider His equality with God as something to be used for His own benefit, but rather humbled Himself in human form and came to serve, to seek, and to save.  (Philippians 2)

For me, this time of rendering, is a time of growth.  While sin is not good, it is good for me to remember that I am sinful and that I am in desperate need of grace and my Savior.  It is good for me to be intentional in the relationship I have with my Creator.  It is good for me to draw nearer to God by something as simple as denying myself Facebook five days a week and sharing a devotional with my husband.  It is a tremendous joy to know that God is, indeed, alive and walking with me through my pitiful, but earnest efforts and that He honors them when I come before Him humbly and wholly His.

Lent, for me, is a time to rely more fully, and engage more deeply.  It is a time to remember just how great God’s love really is.

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
- Joel 2:12-13