I had a plan for Lent!
These 40+days were going to count. I would make every effort to draw closer to God, to let Him know that He is everything to me; I would seek Him first...
So, the books piled up. I was determined! I looked at the mess of books on the dining table and finally asked God what He wanted for me this Lent.
The answer surprised me: Rest, Communion, and a return "to the place from which I have exiled you". (Jer 29: 15)
Here's how this tugs at my heart:
Rest from chasing after worldly pursuits and distractions in order to worship God. Seek a closer union with Jesus. But what was the place from which I was exiled? I was reminded of the Garden of Eden- sin separated me, us from perfect union with the Father... God wants us to return to communion with Him; to return to His love.
Wow! I'm so blindly focused on the externals of Lent, that I get caught up with the acts themselves and forget the why? Why are we praying and fasting and giving alms? We do all these in order to draw closer to the Father's heart. We deny our sensual pleasures: the things that delight and capture the eyes and ears and mind and heart; the things we are grasping that are keeping us from growing in holiness...
We fast and abstain from the things we enjoy so that we can focus more intently on Jesus: His teachings, His Word, His passionate love for us, His suffering, death and Resurrection. We walk His way of the Cross- we take up our own little crosses and recommit ourselves to following His way; we die to our own selfish desires and wants so that we may accept His will for our lives... and all the while, He draws us closer and closer to His heart.
Are you feeling the Love? Our Mighty God wants to dwell with us, wants to make His home in your heart. What is still keeping you from surrendering all to Him?
He is willing to meet us at every point of this Lenten journey: in our trials and temptations in the desert places; on the mountaintop in our search for more of His presence and glory; in our thirst, in our place of exile... that Babylon place may have all the pleasures I think I need, but if I'm honest it's all superficial noise and distraction. It does not truly satisfy the longing of my heart.
We need time away from the noise; time to listen to the Beloved Son as He sings over us, as He speaks words of healing, mercy and love over us. Take His hand. Allow Him to lead you closer to His heart.
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