The season of Lent is upon us, and for many Christians it is a time of dedication and deepening their relationship with Jesus. Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on their lives and habits while considering areas they would like to change. One of the practices during the 40 days of Lent is to fast from something that might hinder your walk with Christ. This could be something as simple as deleting an app on your phone that is taking up too much of your time or something more complex like abstaining from a particular food or meal during the day to focus your attention and prayers on God during this time.
Another practice during Lent might be to add something to your routine instead of taking away from it. This could be adding the action of memorizing more scriptures, delving deeper into a particular book of the Bible, or adding more prayer time to your morning or evening routine. Whatever practice we decide to adopt during Lent, we must remember that we have the active, breathing Word of God to guide, strengthen, and protect us.
Here are three ways the scriptures can strengthen us during Lent as we walk with our Savior Jesus:
1. Gives us direction
Perhaps one of the hardest parts of practicing Lent is simply figuring out what God wants you to give up or add to your daily schedule. Sometimes it only takes a second to realize that something is weighing on you or that the Holy Spirit has convicted you of something recently. You may think there is no hope in a certain area of your life, and you know deep in your heart that you are not as close to Jesus these days because you are afraid to be vulnerable with Him and with yourself. The great thing about being a Christian is that our Savior is always available to us and we have the Holy Spirit within us! We determine the frequency and depth of the connection we have with Him by working on our part in the relationship.
If you are unsure of which direction to take Lent, I would like to encourage you to take some time, pray, sit in silence to listen to the Holy Spirit, and immerse yourself in the Word. These are actions we can take to hear from God and receive direction. As it is said in Hebrews 4:12“For the word of God is living and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joints and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” We must become humble over the next few weeks, because following our Savior’s leading can result in tremendous growth and connection with Him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 Says it so much better than I: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful in teaching us what is true and making us aware of what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2. Defense against Satan’s attacks
It will undoubtedly be true that once you begin your Lenten journey, Satan will be sitting, ready to attack you. This may be due to discouragement, negative self-talk, or, like Jesus, temptation. Matthew 4:1-4 details how Jesus was attacked by Satan with temptations when he was seen as more susceptible during his fasting experience, but he resisted the temptations with the Word: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he became hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” » » (Matthew 4:1-4).
If Jesus is subject to temptation from a nagging devil, you better believe we are too. You may think that Jesus has more strength because he is both man and God. Even though He had something over us sinful humans, in His perfection He was able to stand firm against Satan’s attacks because of His trust, faith, and the power of the Word coming out of His mouth. And remember, as believers, we now have the power of the Holy Spirit within us! We also have at our disposal the Word of God, the same tool that Jesus used against Satan! Having the Word of God in our hearts and minds and coming out of our mouths is the best defense against Satan’s attacks. Remember that we serve a powerful God who has already overcome sin and death, and we are already victorious because of Jesus Christ! Leave this reminder of Ephesians 6:13-17 be just the pep talk you need to prepare for battle:
“Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand firm, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, with the belt of truth about your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet equipped with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of evil. Take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
3. Protection of our hearts and minds
Many media outlets in our world want to capture our attention. If we want to be stronger in our faith, protect our hearts and minds, and be resolved to do God’s will, we need the true Word of God to guide our every step. This Lenten season, you may need to work on renewing your heart and mind and clearing away any cobwebs or bitterness that have settled in over the past year. You will need to be discerning about what you let into your ears and eyes, as this can protect you from possible temptations and help you stay strong. As we are reminded in Philippians 4:4-9we must:Rejoice in the Lord always. I repeat: rejoice! May your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned, received, heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
As we have been reminded, the Word is the sword of the Spirit. It is a powerful weapon that protects us from the temptations that Satan presents to us. It can also protect our mind and heart from dark paths. During this Lenten season, you can decide to delve deeper into the Scriptures each day. I know I would rather memorize more Scripture, not to appear theological in conversation or prayer, but so that the Word is so inscribed and engraved in my heart and mind that it is my primary source of strength. I want more Scripture to be ready when life throws me a curve ball of anxiety and pain. I pray that as God gives you direction to get through this Lent, you will find comfort in knowing that your brothers and sisters in Christ are also on this journey with you. May we encourage one another during this Lenten season and continue to be grateful for the opportunity to be strengthened by the Word of God.
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