Lent: Somberness Leading to Spring

Today is Ash Wednesday. It's a day that marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. For those who acknowledge Lent, it is a time of identifying with Jesus as He withstood temptation for 40 days in the wilderness.

The word "Lent" is derived from the Old English word "lencten" meaning springtime, which signifies a period of growth and renewal. So, although it is a more somber season on the Church calendar, it is one to embrace with joy as it culminates in the realization of the resurrection power of Jesus (Easter).

He still does that, you know...

He still resurrects that which seems impossible to resuscitate.

I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of the resurrection power of Jesus. The truth is, it's easy for me to cast hopeful vision for a better day. It's one of my gifts. But, sometimes, if I'm not careful, instead of bringing encouragement where its needed, I can live into that hope as more of a defense mechanism that ignores the reality in front of me.

Lent allows for just that–a time set aside to invite Jesus into our realities in a way that we –become more reliant upon His grace, more aware of just how deeply we need Him, and more human.

My prayers this season are centered around asking God to shine light on the thoughts of my heart that lead me away from His care, His ways, His will in anyway. Where I define Him on my terms. Where I make Him like me instead of becoming like Him.

And then, in obedience to what He reveals, I envision taking hold of His hand, allowing Him to lead me through the wilderness and into a deeper understanding of life in Him. Where the Spirit of God breathes life and resuscitates what needs to be renewed. And, where my heart learns to rest in His resurrection power.

The truth is there's always an uncovering before the recovery. But, it's where real intimacy with Jesus can be found.