It’s been fifteen years since I felt solidly convicted to participate
in a Lenten fast. It was the year of the heart desert, though it had not yet
arrived. When Ash Wednesday rolled around that year, I was on my way to church
when I felt strongly that I needed to give up music in the car so I could spend
it in prayer instead. It was the oddest heart nudge I’d ever known, but I did
it. For forty days, I prayed my way through every drive, and on Easter Sunday
morning, I celebrated breaking the fast by listening to the Hallelujah Chorus.
Lent can
be controversial for some – as I read about in this
post this week – and I always just let the Lord lead. I don’t feel
compelled to participate, but I also listen if I feel nudged.
This
year I felt the nudge. No desserts, no sugary foods for the duration of Lent. For
months I stayed clear of them entirely, and then slowly easing into a treat now
and then started to border on dependence.
And
dependence should be on the Lord.
So I
made the commitment to put them aside entirely again for 40 days. Much like I
did with the music, I want to turn that time and those cravings toward the
Lord.
I’m
also committed to returning to a study I started crafting back in the
WillowBridge days. I never finished it, but I’m going back to it…learning from
it again.
I’m
excited to see how God works in my heart in this little season. I’m glad He
invited me to this…
1 comment:
I gave up meat for Lent 25 years ago and haven't looked back. Sometimes giving something up for Lent is life changing.
Post a Comment