Today is the first day of Lent. I grew up Methodist and we celebrated Lent, as did my Catholic cousins. During the time leading up to Easter we all engaged in a fast of sorts. Lent serves as an opportunity to give up something to remind us of how Jesus gave up His life for us.
Yesterday I had a friend explain to me that sometimes rather than give something up, she added something to her daily routine. She went on to say that one year she added an act of service to each day. By doing this, she was keeping her focus on the Lord.
I have struggled with Lent in my adulthood. As a child and teenager, I dutifully gave up something. One year it was chocolate, another TV, and I remember one year my sister gave up her pillow. So why the struggle? I don’t want to do anything because everyone else is doing it, especially with my walk with the Lord. I don’t want any part of being religious for the sake of religion. Isn’t that a definition of legalism? I hate legalism. Yet, this year I’m wrestling with it more than normal. Which is why I thought I’d write about it. Maybe you’re in the same boat. Maybe not, maybe you never took part in Lent.
If you have never participated in fasting or adding something for Lent, may I encourage you to consider making 2017 the first year you join the millions of Christians celebrating Lent. If you are someone who has dutifully fasted year after year, ask yourself why you are doing it this year? Does it draw you into a deeper relationship with the Lord as you prepare for Easter? Or is it your duty?
I believe the heart of God calls us into a deeper walk with Him. He doesn’t want us following tradition just because it’s tradition. He wants a personal relationship with you. And part of that deeper walk comes with fasting. Fasting connects me to God like no other way. I should say fasting and praying. I think that is part of my struggle. I want to fast as unto the Lord in the quiet of my heart. And yet, there is something powerful about corporate worship, why not corporate fasting?
May you take the next 40 days of Lent and examine your heart with the Lord. Are you growing closer to Him? Taking part in fasting or adding something to your every day routine may be just the thing to bring you closer to Him.
Over the next 40 days let us strive to be drawn deeper into our relationship with Jesus who gave Himself up for us.
