In the last few months, the world as we know it has become the world with a pandemic. As we adjust, there are major shifts in our schedules, our interactions and our priorities.

But long before a pandemic stepped onto the world stage, Jesus came and died for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2)

Amid the news updates and growing concerns, the attention typically given to Lent could get lost.

It’s not that our collective crisis shouldn’t garner our attention. We should always respond to tragedy and suffering. If you or someone you love has contracted the virus, I hope you find encouragement here.

When the cares of this life begin to consume my life, faith reminds me who God is.

Lent is a 40-day observance of Jesus’s journey toward Calvary’s hill. Among believers, it is the time we give up an indulgence (something significant) as a sign of what Christ gave up for us.

In this Lenten season, because of the pandemic we’re all “giving up” things we didn’t expect.

Some of us are sacrificing more than others. But routine activities, like taking a child to school or attending local church services are now limited to online options.

For the sake of personal and public health safety, minimizing our in-person interaction is a required sacrifice.

As the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus knew His death was required to redeem us from our sins. The parallel between Lent and the current world crisis is crucial. Even if we’re overwhelmed by discouragement or despair, Christ’s resurrection means we can rise again too. (Ephesians 1:18-20)

Hence, Lent is the season of sacrifice that points to a celebration of renewal. Its meaning gives me hope.

However, as I hear more news updates, I’m grateful for this wisdom:

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)

Without Christ, my life would be chaos. Lent sets the course of my life cross-ward.

Cross-ward is a term coined by Alicia Britt Chole in her Lenten Devotional, 40 Days of Decrease. I’ve shared about the book on the blog before. During Lent, my church often uses it as a congregational devotional.

I love how the term implies a forward focus on Christ’s journey toward the Cross. The book’s message — to decrease any tendency to distance myself from His power and love — causes me to examine the impact of His sacrifice.

“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!  But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.

Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6 NLT)

God’s mercy and love were on display, as Christ endured the unthinkable for you and me. Through faith in Him, we have forgiveness and we can be whole. Because of Him, healing comes in this life and for eternity.

Where my heart leans, my soul rests. It rests on how Christ anchors it forever or it reels from what causes angst in the moment.

With the pandemic’s impact, the list of reasons for unrest is long. But if I were to list the reasons to trust Christ, the list is undeniably longer.

I’m praying for you and yours to stay safe and to be healthy. Here are additional resources from bible.com for deeper reflection during this Lenten season (links are in each title):

• Following the Messiah:  It gives us a “look at the places where Jesus lived, taught and ultimately fulfilled God’s plan of salvation for His people.”
• Prayer – A Holy Occupation: “Each reading features quotations from Oswald Chambers along with questions for your own personal reflection.”
• Lent Devotional: Restore: “This study, brought to you by Tearfund, journeys through the Lent season, and will encourage you to spend time soaking in God’s goodness.”