I love a term Alicia Britt Chole uses in her Lenten devotional, 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast. She describes the focus of Lent as “cross-ward” and beyond. The term emphasizes Christ’s journey toward Calvary’s cross and His ultimate sacrifice for our sins. (Philippians 2:7-9)

With all of its inspiration about our salvation, what’s not to love about Lent? Some may struggle with the theme of sacrifice during the 40 days between Ash Wednesday (to focus on repentance) and Easter Sunday (to celebrate Christ’s resurrection). For those who observe Lent, it’s common to eliminate sweets or another dietary indulgence. Additional “sacrifices” include cutting out TV shows or some other activity.

But completing a checklist of don’ts, isn’t the same as becoming transformed by what we do.

Hence, "The purpose of Lent isn’t to “better” your life, but to center your life on what matters most: the One who made you and died for you. And one of the ways you do this is through practicing spiritual habits." - from "Make Space for What Matters: 5 Spiritual Habits for Lent" on YouVersion Bible app. 

The habits of prayer, fasting, scriptural meditation, quiet contemplation or serving sacrificially are also practical ways to look cross-ward. And yet, Lent is not just a time of reflection; it is also a time of preparation and worship.

In Mark 9:31, Christ prepared His disciples for His death and assured them of His resurrection. In this season, we also have the opportunity to consider how God invites us to experience the power of Christ’s redemption in life-changing ways.

What’s not to love about an invitation from God to see Him in the ways He wants to be seen?

“That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.“
(Joel 2:12‭-‬13 NLT)

These words, written in the Old Testament call out to us today. With Ash Wednesday just a few days ago, you may already be focused on Lent. While the season is not officially declared in Scripture, its meaning certainly is. A tearing of one’s clothing was a symbol of grieving over a loss. But the tearing of our hearts is a metaphor for how we bring our brokenness to God.

Whether it is our sin or some other sorrow, our joy can be restored. Our faith can deepen or be renewed.

For further reflection, you may want to use one of the resources featured in this post. You can also read more on the topic on this blog. And yet, however we choose to approach the time between now and Resurrection Sunday (Easter) may we delight in knowing we’ve been chosen by God.

He chose to send Christ to redeem us. (Ephesians 1:3-5) He sent His Spirit to guide and comfort us. (John 16:12-14) And, He sent His Word to strengthen and enlighten us. (Psalm 19:7-9) What’s not to love about that?

PRAYER: Dear God, there’s so much to experience through Christ’s redemption. Through repentance, reflection and worship may I yield to Your Spirit. As I lean into the Lenten season, thank You for all of the ways You’ll bring hope to my heart and joy to my soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12‭-‬13 NLT)