Why do I, a non catholic, Christian, practice Lent? A lot of reasons!
One reason is remembering.
I have always loved how many traditions Jewish people take part in every year. It has always amazed me! The reason I love this so much is that they are marking space to honor and remember God. It made me wonder, why don’t Christians make more space to honor God?
Then my junior year of high school my mentor told me that she practices lent. I always thought that it was only something Catholics practiced. However, after she really explained it to me I wondered why Christians don’t celebrate lent??
Lent is a time to remember and reflect on Jesus. Now that may sound too simple but I’m serious. Jesus left heaven to come to earth for you! He died on the cross for you!! Isn’t that amazing?? But how many times have you stopped to think about that lately? I think we forget to relish in the fact that Jesus thought we were worth dying for.
To remember this, many people will fast from something for 46 days. That may sound long but it goes by fast! The point of the fast is that you would remember to dwell more with Jesus.
This part looks different for everyone. Practically speaking that can look like giving something up or adding something. Sometimes people give up lunch. Other times it is TV or social media. Whatever takes away time from you and Jesus. Whatever will make you remember to dwell with him when it is gone. Get rid of that!!
The last reason I want to share with you is this. We all go through seasons where we aren’t growing and don’t feel God. Maybe we even stop trying because we aren’t sure what God wants us to do next. This could be a restart for You today. If you need to refresh your relationship with God and focus on the one who made you, start today!
More:
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Psalm 77:11 ESV- Lent provides you with time to pause and be in awe of God.
“Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law.”
Psalm 119:54-55 ESV
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”
Psalm 143:5 ESV
“Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’”
Nehemiah 1:8-9 ESV – Maybe this is your time to return to God. Maybe you have not been giving him 100% and you know you need to give him more. Start now!
If you want to talk about this more feel free to message me 😁 thanks for reading!
much love and God bless♥️- Isabel
p.s. If you are in a really good place with God DONT feel pressure to do this haha! I just want to encourage you to assess where you are in your walk and to keep growing!!
