Each year I approach lent a bit differently. Some years I have given up sweets for lent. Some years I have given up or taken on a habit. Last year I decided to not to do anything. In fact I ended my relatively healthy regime for Lent. Just because I could. I know God was smiling on me.

This year I had none particular plans. But somehow I got a tummy bug and involuntary 24h fast right before lent. Divine guidance? It certainly got my attention and I decided to eat super healthy this Lent. This is not something I have to do. If I don’t make it through the Lent that is fine, too. Because it is not about my performance. It’s about preparing our hearts and minds for Jesus to enter. It’s about searching for Jesus and being found by Jesus.

There is a different season for everything. We fast and we feast. Both are good. Now I fast. (There’s an excellent article Lent in Narnia by Devin Brown if you’re interested in C.S.Lewis’ thoughts on fasting & feasting).

So what to do? To fast or not to fast? That’s between you and God. You can’t earn your salvation by fasting. The main thing is to remember: Lent is not about doing things. Lent is about quitting doing something: trying to save ourselves, trying to be good on our own, trying to be our own God.

When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well. (Matthew 6: 18-18; MSG)

But when we make room for God in our lives for God to enter we are blessed. God will take you up on your offer. God will dwell in you and work in you. God will indeed bless you.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for times to feast.
Thank you for times to fast.
Guide us in these matters.
Create in us a new spirit.
May thy will be done in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you observe Lent?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you find your way to serve the Lord!

Note that Lent is observed every week day, not on Sundays (the day of resurrection). I will be back on blogging on Monday. Have a blessed Sabbath!

Photo courtesy of Jon Romero