A Season of Lent

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends you,

and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24

The season of Lent is fast approaching, and I find myself looking inside the deep places of my heart. I am one that is easily carried by the winds of the world, and the business of life blinds me to the cries of my soul. At times, I feel like I am only surviving, rather than thriving. Yet, I know that Jesus offers me a full life. A truth that I do not always live.

The mindless escape offered by this world entices me, and I indulge in it. It leaves me feeling just as empty and as needy as I did before looking for their fake comfort. There is no life found on a television show, a computer screen, or a bag of chips. If anything, these prevent me from being still, and knowing that God is all I need, and deep down, He is all I want.

The season of Lent is to be a season of self-examination, prayer, repentance, and re-commitment. Our sins cost Him death on the cross, they are not to be taken lightly, they are not to be diminished as simple bad habits. Lent can be a meaningful time that leads us to the celebration of Christ's Resurrection at Easter.

I want this season to be a time where God speaks truth into those deep places of my heart. A time where I hear His voice and allow His words to cover my being, to change me. A time where I allow God to search me, to know my heart. A time where I find those things that are offensive to the God that gave me life. I want to be transformed.

Last year, Andy and I celebrated Lent for the first time. It was meaningful. As a matter of fact, I believe that it is something I want to make a part of my life every year. This season has come to have a profound meaning in my heart and relationship with God.

I read my post from last year, and not much has changed on the things that I want to give up in order to create space in my life. So I will not bore you with that "list" on this post (but you will see me posting less often). Rather, I wanted to share my heart with you.

If you celebrate Lent, may this be a time where God speaks to you. If you have any special plans for this time, I would love to hear what those are.