“I have calmed and quieted myself.”
Psalm 131:2
“What are you giving up for Lint?”
I remember hearing some Catholic kids in my elementary school ask one another this question sporting what I thought was dirt smudged on their foreheads. Come to find out, it wasn’t spelled “Lint” (nor was it the same thing as the lint in the dryer).
And it turns out it wasn’t dirt on their foreheads; it was ash from an Ash Wednesday ceremony at their church.
The church of my youth was non-denominational and did not observe this practice (obviously!), and neither have the churches I’ve attended as an adult. But in recent years, I have embraced Lent and am learning more about the liturgical church calendar. There is a lovely rhythm and beautiful meaning to each season and holy day, even the period called Ordinary Time.
Lent is a somber season. A time to reflect on our brokenness and the God who sits with us there. A time on the liturgical calendar commemorating the 40 days when Jesus fasted and endured temptation in the wilderness. It is not in the Bible, but the tradition began in the early days of the church.
I have come to view Lent as an opportunity for deeper spiritual practice; it holds a solemnity where God meets me in my messiness. A season of intention that points me to the cross and a time set apart for more of God each day. A time to reset, refuel, remember and reflect, release, and finally, resurrection.
Instead of picking a word of the year, I’ve chosen a phrase of the year. My intention for this new year is “More of God.” Working this into my life will be a focus during Lent and beyond.
I am asking myself:
How will I deepen my relationship with the Lord to have more of Him? Scripture memory, meditation, time away, repentance, fasting?
What will I give up to make room for more of God? Social media, TV, less phone, cleaning (ha!)?
What tools will I use to point me to the cross? The Bible, art, books?
This is an invitation, not an obligation. Having more of God in my life is a gift worth practicing, an exercise to build Jesus muscles. Lent and the rhythm of the church calendar help me to do this.
Care to join me in this sacred time as we walk towards the cross and think deeply about what we believe? Let’s ponder who Jesus is and make space for more of Him. What did He say? What did He do with His time while He lived on this earth?
Let us savor this Lenten season, this gift we give our souls. May it be an intentional, transformative time.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power in your inner being”
Ephesians 3:16
I am so excited to begin your book! I enjoyed this post and am committed to having more of God this Lent as well.
Thank you, Miranda! May the Lord bless you with more of Him this Lent.
This was well needed for me. Thank you.
I just ordered you book! Can’t wait to read it!
I pray it will be a blessings to you!
Hear the Savior is such a rich and beautiful devotional. I am really enjoying learning more about the life of Jesus during this season of lent.
I’m going to borrow your phrase for the year “More of God” and work on flexing my Jesus muscles. Love this analogy!
YAY!!! Flex away, wonderful sister!