I have been doing some reading about Lent. I find myself in this space often on the day before and I would like to commit to studying a bit earlier next year….
But it is what it is and I am curious and interested again in the true meaning and purpose of Lent.
The purpose of Lent is to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent, which comes from the Teutonic (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him. Thus it is fitting that the season of Lent begin with a symbol of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one’s head or forehead. However, we must remember that our Lenten disciplines are supposed to ultimately transform our entire person: body, soul, and spirit.
I am not sure how it will look for me to grow in this season of Lent. I am learning much about self-denial during my process of wellness. Some days go better than others in my willingness to sacrifice. I am learning about where I am willing and where I am resistant to believe deeply in God’s provision for me.
I find myself really exploring what confession and repentance looks like in my daily walk. I am becoming more and more aware of the invitation Christ offers me to confess and repent and live in freedom. I must say that at first I really liked the concept of repentance. Then I realized that before repentance comes awareness of my sin or sinful patterns, honesty in confession, feeling my sorrow, accepting and enjoying Grace and then living in changed behavior. I need to embrace that these steps are taken over and over again, as long as I have breath.
It is my hope that during this Lenten season I will rest in what I know to be true and not simply work harder to discover what the season of Lent “should” hold for me. I pray that during the next 40 days, I may understand at a deeper level how the journey of Jesus to the cross continues to impact me today. I pray this for myself and I pray this for each of you!
Thanks Trish for these reminders! We have a wonderful booklet form Calvary for how to pray thru the Lenten season, based on our yearlong study of the gospel of John. How I need the “Spring Cleaning” power of the Holy Spirit!