As I’ve mentioned once or fourteen times, I grew up Methodist. And in the Methodist church, most people enter the Lenten season with the intent to give up or take on something for the 40 days leading up to Easter. The idea is that whenever you experience a craving or a desire for what you’ve given up, that craving serves as a reminder that our ultimate satisfaction is in Jesus. The very small sacrifices that we make during Lent turn our hearts toward the Cross, and I’ve always found the Lenten Season to be humbling, inspiring and convicting.
Earlier today I made a mental list of some things that I’ve given up for Lent over the years, and I couldn’t help but smile. Whatever I gave up (or took on) is such a reflection of a specific time in my life, and it’s interesting to look back and see that there were some struggles that stuck around for 2 or 3 years in a row. Last year I gave up celebrity gossip during Lent, and I’ll never forget how truly difficult it was for me. This year I know that I’m going to have a struggle on my hands before I even start, but that’s sort of the point, isn’t it? We trust God to do what we just flat-out can’t do in our own strength.
A few minutes ago I was listening to one of my favorite bands (on iTunes – not, you know, while they played in my living room), and one song in particular struck me as a pretty dead-on Lenten anthem.
May the next 40 days be a time of going deeper with the Lord – and experiencing lasting transformation in our hearts and in our lives.
Have a great Wednesday, y’all.