Looking to Lent

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

(Hebrews 12:1–2, NIV)

I am a firm believer that if we identify an issue in our lives, we need to stop and deal with it. But often we neglect to examine ourselves.

We are entering a season where we are invited and encouraged to examine ourselves. During Lent, many followers of Christ will fast from something that is keeping them from living focused on Jesus. It might be television or social media, food or substances, money or the pursuit of a certain image, avoidance or anger, Pinterest or Amazon. It is as we step away from these tempting items and practices that we regain a reliance upon Christ, “the author and perfector of our faith”.

Now is the time to begin prayerfully reflecting on what it is that is creating a gap between you and the Lord. When you are having a hard day, what or who do you tend to turn to? When you are hurting or feeling empty, what is your go-to to feel better? Is it what it should be? Most often we are tempted to something other than Christ.

What is it for you? What is creating that gap between you and the Lord? What is it you turn to instead of Christ? With Lent beginning March 3rd, will you use it as a season to fast from that “thing”, turning to the Lord instead?