For Christians around the world, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season.

The ashes symbolize our repentance as we reflect on the 40 days (not counting Saturdays and Sundays) leading up to Christ dying for our sins.

But there is more. It is common to “give up” or sacrifice something (such as meat, sweets or some other indulgence) during the Lenten season. It mirrors the sacrifice of the selfless and sinless Savior.

It deepens our dependence on His grace. But this season of sacrifice is also about renewal. My church is reading 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole. You can read more about the book in my post Sweet Indulgences to the Soul .

I look forward to revisiting Chole’s insightful words and seeing a decrease in what deters me away from God. And yet, renewal is on my mind.

It’s one of the benefits of the “decrease” journey. Here are three ways I’ll focus on Christ’s life and sacrifice during Lent.

Renewing my mind with His Word.
Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
Renewing my yield to His will.
Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?” (Matthew 26:39 MSG)
Renewing my hope in His redemption.
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalms 94:19 NLT, also see Romans 15:13)

Three days after we observe Christ’s death on Good Friday, we look to His resurrection on Easter Sunday. As we anticipate the celebration, I’ll explore more on these renewal topics of God’s Word, His will and His redemption.

Here are the upcoming “joy to the soul” posts for the Lenten Season (click on the title to read the post):
March 13: A Lamp, A Light and A Limp
March 20: A Word to Stand On
March 27: Becoming More Transparent (This post is also part of the Becoming More series).
April 03: Fighting for The Yes in You
April 10: When Broken is Made Better
April 17: What Will You Rise to Next?

I’d love for you to meet me here each week with your Lenten reflections or with a need for some encouragement (see the “Let’s Stay Connected” box in the sidebar).

I’m excited about what lies ahead in this series. May God renew our perspective and strength with hope for the heart and joy to the soul.