Ash Wednesday
Lent is finally upon us! I read a blog post today that described Lent as a season that "sneaks up" on the writer, as an "uncomfortable" time.
I can identify with the second sentiment, but not the first. I look forward to Lent, because God has used it in powerful ways in my life. It was during Lent four years ago that God brought me out of a very hurtful, ungodly relationship, and set me on the road to healing. It was during Lent two years ago that I discovered the Liturgy of the Hours and reformed my devotional life- or rather, actually developed a devotional life at all.
My point isn't to promote the Liturgy; my point is that during Lent, God, without my foreknowledge or consent, spoke through my spirit and lit up the dark parts of my soul, and forced me into a place of repentance. There's a big tendency among Christians to make Lent about works: "What are you giving up for Lent?" What are you doing? But for me, Lent is about grace. It's about the humbling power of God, which brings me down so low that all I can do is cry out, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy upon me!
Therefore also now, saith the LORD,
turn ye even to me with all your heart,
and with fasting,
and with weeping,
and with mourning:
And rend your heart,
and not your garments,
and turn unto the LORD your God:
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger,
and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the evil.
(Joel 2:12-13)
I can identify with the second sentiment, but not the first. I look forward to Lent, because God has used it in powerful ways in my life. It was during Lent four years ago that God brought me out of a very hurtful, ungodly relationship, and set me on the road to healing. It was during Lent two years ago that I discovered the Liturgy of the Hours and reformed my devotional life- or rather, actually developed a devotional life at all.
My point isn't to promote the Liturgy; my point is that during Lent, God, without my foreknowledge or consent, spoke through my spirit and lit up the dark parts of my soul, and forced me into a place of repentance. There's a big tendency among Christians to make Lent about works: "What are you giving up for Lent?" What are you doing? But for me, Lent is about grace. It's about the humbling power of God, which brings me down so low that all I can do is cry out, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy upon me!
Therefore also now, saith the LORD,
turn ye even to me with all your heart,
and with fasting,
and with weeping,
and with mourning:
And rend your heart,
and not your garments,
and turn unto the LORD your God:
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger,
and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the evil.
(Joel 2:12-13)