 |
| raceytay.etsy.com |
Lent always seems to sneak up on me. It's already been a week since Ash Wednesday and I still don't know what I'm going to "give up." I nod my head in agreement with the brilliant revelations my friends are having during this season of preparation without really knowing what they're talking about. I sing along to the songs in Sunday service without really understanding the words coming out of my mouth.
I felt this way last year too. What does Lent really mean? I know it's significant, I know it's important, why don't I feel it? It's the forty days leading up to the simultaneously most horrific and most magnificent thing to ever happen, and that will ever happen, to man. Why don't I feel it?
This past weekend, Cameron and I went to his hometown for a wedding shower. On Sunday, we visited the church he attended when he was little, and I got to meet the old folk who watched him grow up and see the stained glass windows that are so special to him.
The pastor preached on Matthew 3:16 - 4:1. He told us that Jesus went straight from hearing God's voice, telling Him that He loves Him and is proud of Him, into the dessert. The pastor pointed out that when Jesus was in the desert He didn't loose faith because He couldn't hear His Father's voice anymore; He remembered the times when God's voice was audible and that God's promises don't change.
I'm in a desert. I have been for a while. Because of this, it's easy to believe lies. However, I must remember the truths that God has told me and, just because I don't hear them or feel them right now, it doesn't mean that they've changed. His promises are still the same. He is forever unchanging.
I must also remember that Lent isn't about my experience, or the feelings that I have. It's about a God who gave His only Son so whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. It's about remembering the sacrifice that was made, and being thankful for the love that was poured out.
How are you preparing this Lenten season?
Love, Alli
Beautiful words and blog. Hopping over from WWH - glad I found you. I'm preparing by serving others. Blessings today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Alene! That's a great idea to serve others, maybe I'll try that this year! - Alli
DeleteLent does always seem to creep, it comes out of the blue. The date always changing, hard to keep track. In the past I realise I so often gave up selfish items, chocolate to curb the waistline, save a few coins. This year I have given up TV, although I watch it only for a short amount in the evening it adds an extra 15mins to converse with God, to read his word, to immerse myself in creativity - a neglected gift. Thank you for reflecting on remembering his promises even when we are in the desert and don't hear his voice.
ReplyDeleteBlessings may you feel His arms wrapped around you tight. May He warm the depths of your heart. May you hear His voice in the dancing of the leaves.
That's what I've found I've done in the past. I'd give up fast food, applauding myself with the huge sacrifice I was making, but really doing it so I could shed a couple of extra pounds. I'm so glad that you've found a way that helps you spend more time talking to our Lord. Good luck! -Alli
Delete