If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
~ 1 John 1:9
The season of Lent is upon us; a season where we are called to look closely at our relationship with God, to be honest, and to dive deeper; a season where we sit in repentance and prepare to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection and our own salvation through that.
This Wednesday Christians from all over the world will gather in their respective faith communities to mark the season of repentance, reflection, and preparation. Ash Wednesday is the day of ultimate repentance. It is a day where we literally bear the marks of our sorrow, our own failures, our own mortality. We look through our own sin and see God’s redeeming and cleansing love through Jesus on the other side.
The 40 days in between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday mark a season of intentional discipline to grow closer to God. Scripturally, it represents the season that Jesus spent in the wilderness, wrestling with his own temptation, and preparing for the work God called him to. Historically, this season was used by the church to prepare new members and converts to the faith. Traditionally many folks give up something for Lent as a way of fasting which is part of repentance- changing the thing that was causing you to sin.
But along the way it seems to have become a season of dieting, not intentional self-reflection and growth. I encourage all of us to make this Lent more meaningful by picking up just one of these spiritual disciplines for the season. The goal being, we grow in our faith, in our relationship with God, and our relationships with others.
Almsgiving- We take whatever we have, give thanks, and give the best of what we have and who we are back to God
Fasting- As time has gone by, the definition of fasting has been extended to include more than just food and drinks. In today’s society we find people fasting from social media, video games, television, and other activities that can draw our attention away from God and towards something else.
Reading and Mediating on God’s Word- Regularly pick up our bibles and read, prayerfully reflecting on the words we have read and how God might be speaking to us through them.
Repentance- That moment when we reflect on our wrongdoings, our sins, those moments we fall short of who God has called us to be. It is that moment when we feel true remorse for what we have done. And then we come to God, and we say, “God, I am so sorry. I need to pay for what I’ve done.” And then, we remember that Jesus has paid for our sin, and we have received God’s forgiveness.
Self-Examination- We are called to take an honest look at ourselves and our relationship with God. We are tasked with determining what is keeping us from being close to God and to determine where God falls on our priority list.
Prayer- Paul tells us it is a time we have to talk to God about anything we want; to ask for anything we need; to give thanks for everything we have; to listen for what God wants us to do; and to receive peace. Pray without ceasing.
Which one will you choose to become a part of your Lenten journey towards the cross?
Comment your thoughts below!
Blessings friends,
Pastor Nicole