Lenten Season 2021

Today is Ash Wednesday.

It is the first day of the Lenten season, often called Lent.

Lent is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter.

Lent is a time of reflection.. It is meant to remind us that we are by nature sinful and that we need Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary to save us from our sins and to restore our relationship with God.

It is also an opportunity for us to examine ourselves to see whether we are living our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

Some people fast during this time.

There are several reasons they do this.

Many are following the examples throughout Scripture when men have fasted as a way of showing repentance, to seek God’s favor, receive answer to a prayer during a difficult time, or to show they are grieving..

Some fast to show they realize the seriousness of their sin and their appreciation of the Spiritual life Christ offered us when He was crucified.

Some do it as a reminder of when Jesus fasted in the wilderness just before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11)

Fasting during Lent is not a requirement to be in right relationship with God.

At the same time, though, it’s a helpful practice because it prompts us to slow down, reflect on our life and whether we appreciate the seriousness of Christ’s resurrection, as well as whether we have things in our life/heart that are standing between us and our relationship with God.

Fasting doesn’t necessarily mean going all day without food, though that may be what we choose.

There are many different things we can fast from. It can be not eating a certain food, not watching any tv, not enjoying certain activities, or giving up something else during the 40 days.

The point of it is to turn your time and attention from that thing to God and your relationship with Him as you seek to become closer and to hear more from Him.

Whether you choose to fast is a very personal decision best made with lots of prayer involved.

No matter your decision, I hope you will take some time during the days between now and Easter to reflect on what a precious gift Salvation is and to consider whether you are walking worthy of the calling.

 

 

Here is a good article on the basics of fasting, including what it is and what it isn’t. I hope you’ll read it. How to Fast For Lent

 

To learn more about the Easter Season, please visit my Easter page, a compilation of previous Easter and Lent posts.