This upcoming Wednesday is the start of the Lenten season; it's Ash Wednesday. As we prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, Lent is observed for 40 days and nights, which represent the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, where He was tempted by Satan.
Many Western denominations traditionally encourage the giving up of something you enjoy - be it certain food or drink, the usage of electronic devices, etc.; you may also attempt to give up habits or behaviors, such as nail biting or emotional eating. It used to be that Lent was a time of fasting and abstinence, similar to the Muslim observance of Ramadan, but that is less common in this day and age, especially within Western Christianity.
However, Lent is not merely about giving up something for a few weeks, but also about taking on behaviors, practices and what have you. You might take on volunteer work, serving at food pantries or homeless shelters. You might take on a short-term 'job' at your church, giving your time and effort as a Sunday school teacher or small group leader - although who knows? Those few weeks of helping out may stretch out into something more permanent. You could also take on giving more time to God; pray more, read your Bible more, worship Him through song, dance, writing - do more of whatever you feel brings you close to Him.
Lent is a season of inner reflection, a time that allows us to grow closer to God through conscious effort. It has been suggested before that we take on something that may seem somewhat odd... and that we ask God to give it to us - even though it is something that I'm sure many people have asked God to take away from them...
Loneliness.
Strange, right? I mean, why would we want to be lonely? How could being lonely bring us closer to God?
In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus goes to pray in a solitary place. His disciples go to look for Him. Even Jesus sought to be alone, to be in solitude. The thing is, when you're alone with God, you're in special communion with Him. There are no distractions... nothing to hurt you... it's you and God. God and you. Nothing can separate this wondrous relationship. '... our citizenship is in heaven.' [Philippians 3:20] Jesus experienced - as should we - the loneliness of living in this world that is not our home. By asking God to give us loneliness, we are forced to rely on Him in all things. We will grow close to Him as we use that time when we are lonely to talk to Him, offering our prayers and praises to Him. Being lonely is a sacrifice of ourselves that we can easily make.
'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" '
[Mark 1:35-37]
No comments:
Post a Comment