How is your Lenten season going? Even if you have had a difficult time getting started, it’s not too late! In my last blog, I mentioned the three traditional themes of Lent – Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. These are broad themes that can have many applications that assist us through this season. Some people feel that Lent is a ‘downer’ time. We all experience times in life that are difficult, sad, frustrating, and just plain hard. Lent brings these to a sharper focus as we desire more of God in our lives. It may be that you don’t feel him as closely as you may have at other times. All relationships can be like that. It is in those moments that bring the hard things in life into a sharper focus.
There is precedent in scripture for prayer and fasting – two of the disciplines during Lent. “Throughout the Old Testament, fasting seems important, although the Israelites were required to fast on only one day in the year, the Day of Atonement. However, there are many examples of fasting on special occasions or in times of special need. In Isa 58:1–12 true fasting was not just ritual; rather, it was the meeting of the needs of people. Fasting is a means by which one denies one’s own needs and focuses directly on his or her relationship with God and the world.”
At the end of the Lenten season, there is much rejoicing and celebrating that Jesus arose from the grave and lives today. He conquered death and sin and offers new, eternal life to all who believe in him as Savior and Lord.
The signs of the times indicate that God is moving in a new and fresh way to those who are calling on him. The symbols of the celebrations, prayer and fasting, help us connect our faith to everyday experiences.
Almsgiving is a significant way to show demonstrate the love of God in our lives. As part of Purim celebrations gifts of food with be shared with neighbors and friends. Helping those in need is part of this gift-giving. Making contributions to charitable organizations that help those in need is another way to do this. Several of you have donated to my fundraiser for the relief work in Israel. I am nearing my personal goal, and there is still time to give. Please consider this request!
I hope you see that this season of Lent is not all doom and gloom but is a path to the joy and gladness that we will celebrate soon! This may be a time of going through trials but remember that “He knows the course I have traveled. And I believe that were He to prove me, I would come out purer than gold from the fire. My foot has been securely set in His tracks; I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have valued everything He says more than all else” (Job 23:10, 11).
I recently saw a post on Facebook that had a model for how to Fast and Feast during the weeks of Lent. I have modified it a bit, and I hope this is helpful to you this season. Feel free to modify it as you want.
Sundays – Fast from ALL screens
Feast on hospitality
Mondays – Fast from complaining
Feast on giving thanks
Tuesdays - Fast from streaming/TV
Feast on the Word of God
Wednesdays – Fast one meal
Feast on confession
Thursdays – Fast from negative talk
Feast on your identity in Jesus
Fridays – Fast a meal
Feast on the goodness of God
Saturdays – Fast from scrolling/gaming
Feast on prayer
Shalom!
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