In our hunger for God, we sometimes find ourselves attempting to fill our neediness with lesser things. At times these lesser things can get a hold on us, leaving us distracted, bewildered, or simply frustrated. Our relationship with God and other areas of our lives can seem drained as a result.
In the midst of such challenges, Lent provides an ideal time to examine our hearts. We can ask ourselves questions that can lead us to revitalize our seeking of the Savior. Questions such as:
- Does God have first place in my life, or am I just trying to fit Him in with everything else?
- Is there anything in my life distracting me from God or life-giving practices of the faith?
Lent can be a season when we choose self-denial, choosing to give of ourselves to others. Sometimes saying “no” to something frees us to give an additional “yes” to God without even trying. This is also the essence of fasting and why it can be a life-giving aspect of Lent.
We may likewise choose to add something in this season instead of (or in addition to) fasting. This could include focusing on a particular spiritual discipline (more info here), observing a weekly sabbath (or “mini-sabbath moments” throughout each day), praying the Daily Office, reading a specific devotional, or studying a book of the Bible. All of these are potential ways we can spend time with God during this life-giving season called Lent.
Above all, Lent doesn’t mean working for God as if we have to earn something, but finding ways to live the “with God” life (as Skye Jethani puts it), knowing that the sacrificial love with which God loves us helps us to draw near to Him.
“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27
In Christ,
Amanda