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Joy is not a term often connected with the season of Lent, in fact joy might be considered its antonym. For many, Lent prompts somber emotions, images of silence, sorrow, self-denial and sacrifice. These images are understandable. Throughout the centuries this season has been defined most by “giving something up.”
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter; and this tradition of giving something up for Lent probably grew out of the history of Lenten penance and fasting. Throughout Scripture fasting is often connected with times of repentance and prayer. Moreover, the length of the season (forty-days) is based on the time Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Fasting can mean abstaining from all food and drink for a period of time. However it can also refer to going on a disciplined diet, or simply giving up anything that you normally consume. When this is practiced, it serves to remind us who is in control. When your belly growls or you see the things you have given up, it prompts you to spend time in prayer. Since Lent is a time for self-examination spent in prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary, fasting, or giving something up for Lent has become a well known tradition.
Others observe this practice by giving something up they value in order to identify with what Jesus gave up for us. While all have some creature comforts that we could live without for 40 days; most of us have things in our lives that we need to give up permanently. Things that distract us from God. Things we have placed before Him. Things we treasure more than Him or His Word. Bad habits or rituals that are not becoming of a Christian; Sin that has dwelt too long in our life, and needs to be removed.
Lent is the perfect time to “give these things up” for good. For in our busy, fast paced, secular world we all need times of reflection and renewal. Times spent before our God, praying as King David in Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
You can be confident that God will answer this request. When He does, don’t ignore it but turn to Him in prayer; acknowledging and confessing your sins before Him like David in Psalm 32:5 where he said, “then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Only six verses later He commands, “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” See, Lent is a season to rejoice not because of our self-sacrifice but because of Christ’s. May you experience the Joy of Christ’s sacrifice this season!
Labels: Confession, David, Devotions, Easter, Fast, Fasting, Fish, Forgiveness, Giving It Up For Lent, God, Jesus, Joy, Lent, Matthew 4:1-11, Penance, Preparation, Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 32:1-11, Sacrifice, Sin
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