Today is the start of Lent, and, to be honest, this whole week leading up to it was filled with every thought except Lent. These past couple of weeks have been overwhelming and it can be easy to let this season of Lent slip away from you. I would encourage you to look toward scripture, particularly Colossians 3:2, which says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This scripture is not telling us to avoid helping or pretend the problems in this world are not happening but to set our minds in heaven. If we let our minds become overtaken with earthly things, then exhaustion and bitterness will soon follow. Every day spiritual battles are happening around us that we can’t see, but I believe we can feel. However, those uneasy, confused, lost, or scared souls are what Lent is about.
Jesus came to save the lost by sacrificing his life for us. Lent is a time to reflect on the season of Easter and what Jesus did and is still doing for the world. For those of us who were once lost but now found, lent can be a time of thankfulness.
God is present, he is hearing your prayers, and he can do incredible things through you. We cannot undervalue the choices we make daily. That incredible thing can be you making a choice to go and worship in the house of God in a world that tells you it's not necessary. It can be choosing to add something to your life over these 40 days or taking something away in a world that says you don’t need to change your habits. It can be you recognizing that you need a relationship with God in a world that says you are complete by yourself. Lent matters now because it is a time to separate us from secularism and ungodly practices and run towards God. Do not underestimate what this time can do for your heart and mind.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
What to Look Out For
Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before he was crucified. The Devil knew he would be weak and hungry, so he tempted Jesus three times. Each time, Jesus denied the temptation and followed the Father’s will. The enemy may try to take this time that you will dedicate to the Lord and distract you with things of this earth. Be ready for the spiritual battle that may occur and allow yourself to be convicted and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
Origins of Lent.
As mentioned above, Jesus' 40 day fast inspired the early church to display this discipline by commonly fasting on Wednesday and Friday until mid-afternoon for 40 days. Now Lent is practiced by fasting, giving up a bad practice, or starting a new one to bring us closer to God.
Readings of the 40 day Fast:
Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13
Matthew 4:1-11-
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Sources:
Biblegateway