Observing Lent
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11
A friend commented that she did not realize churches still do the “Lent thing”. She asked, “What good does it do to give up sugar, or coffee, or anything else?”
There is often a component to giving up something for the Lenten season, that in many cases is something that distracts or distorts us from our awareness of the Lord’s presence. When we desire to embrace what we have given up during this season, the hope would be that we would press into Jesus’ sacrifice and be drawn into the transformational power of His grace and love, and not embrace what we have given up. It is not about giving up something in particular, for our own selfish ambition or self-glory, but in this season, we are to abide in Christ, grow in Him, and let Him transform our hearts.
Lent began yesterday on Ash Wednesday and will continue and end on Easter. And while many people give something up, others add a spiritual practice such as prayer, Bible reading and reflection to focus on the hope of Jesus Christ through His death on the cross and His resurrection. Lent is a process that builds a sense of preparation, anticipation, and appreciation for what Jesus did for us.
Whether you add or give up something for Lent, I pray that this will be a time of growing in faith and blessing.
Good and gracious God, guide us through our Lenten journey. May we see Jesus more clearly and love Him more deeply. In His name, Amen.