The Lenten season stretches over 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter (Resurrection) Sunday. Christians around the world observe Jesus’ journey toward the Cross. Hence, it is a season of penitence and reflection for us.

Our reliance and focus is on Jesus, the Lamb of God, who lived a sinless life and died for the sins of the world. (1 Peter 1:18-19) Yet, he faced the worst of humanity’s rejection, while completing the work for our salvation. (Isaiah 53:3-6)

By tradition, many believers choose to fast from or give up something enjoyable during Lent. We seek to sacrifice something significant to mirror the sacrifice made by Christ.

Popular choices are social media, sweet treats, or a meal. You may or may not observe this practice. But this year on the blog, I invite you to join me in what we will add to our reflection. The 3-part series, “Hope: A Joyful Reflection on Lent,” will encourage us to hope, rest, and deepen our commitment in our walk with the Lord.

As the world attempts to emerge from a pandemic, while war intensifies around the globe, hope may feel distant. But hope is where it has always been — filling and refilling a believing heart.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT).

Do you sense hope within you today? It’s more than swirls of optimism floating around in the soul. Hope is an ever growing confidence as we trust in God. As Jesus was arrested, beaten, crucified and buried, I can only imagine what His disciples felt. Even as hope grew as they saw His miracles, it’s likely hope sank before His resurrection.

I struggle with what I see or don’t see too. However, hope can fuel our prayers, when news headlines hint at what or who we should fear. It can stir our praise for God, as we wrestle with thoughts of how things could and should be better.

When life is tough and answers are few, confident hope calms us. It gives a restful reassurance. God is in control.

In a world full of the unexpected, we can expect God to be faithful to His Word. (Psalm 145:13) What are you hoping for today?

When it comes to what we desire, the possibilities are many. But Jesus, the hope of glory, didn’t just die for our sins. He also rose from the dead for our victory. (1 Peter 1:3-5) Because of Him, we can live with confident hope.

PRAY: Dear God, You are the source of my hope. In a world full of the unexpected, I can expect You to be faithful to Your Word. At this moment, I’m hoping ____________________. I release my desire into your hands knowing You know what’s best. May the meaning of Lent increase my trust in You. And may the power of Jesus, the hope of glory, be felt throughout the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT).

Congratulations to Melanie N., the winner of Marva Titley-Smith's Time to Thrive book! Join me for parts 2 and 3 of this series, Hope: A Joyful Reflection on Lent! Subscribe to the blog today for updates in your inbox!