Devotional Messages

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Psalm 51:10-12: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, thus we are now in the season of Lent.  What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Lent?

For me (and I suspect many of you), it is the thought “What will I give up for lent this year?” It’s kind of like how I feel at the start of the new year, thinking about making a New Year’s resolution.  Should I, or shouldn’t I?  If I make a resolution (or a commitment to give something up for lent), will I actually stick to it? Will it matter?

With New Year’s Resolutions, the goal is often to make a more PERMANENT change in our lives. That’s a pretty big commitment!  "Giving up” something for Lent, on the other hand, is a more temporary change.  I know many people who try giving up things like chocolate, or sodas, or caffeine, etc.  We can go all out on Fat Tuesday, begin our “denial of pleasure” on Ash Wednesday, and then go back to enjoying that pleasure once Easter arrives.  The idea is to suffer a little bit,  but just for a time. I believe the thinking is that it can make us more mindful, and cause us to reflect on Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness, as we experience a bit of that “fasting” ourselves.  Are we successful?  Sometimes.  But I think too often we are not. And when I say “we”, I definitely mean “me.”

So if this temporary “giving up” isn’t working for us (me), is there something else we might focus on during Lent?  I think this scripture from the Psalmist gives us an idea.

 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation. It is a time to open ourselves to God’s presence; to invite God into our lives in a way that strengthens and renews. As Jesus was sustained in the desert, through difficult times we are sustained. Coming out of the desert, we are refreshed and re-energized - ready to commit ourselves to God’ good work. May we use this time - this season of Lent - to invite God to move within us, to touch our hearts, and to renew our spirits.

Prayer:   Oh God, we ask you to work within and through us. We pray that with you, we will make it through the desert, and come out renewed. Amen.”

*This scripture forms the basis for one of my favorite hymns/songs.  Click on the link below to listen to this song.  I hope you find it as meaningful as I do!

Song: “Create In Me A Clean Heart.”

In Christian Love,

Karen Cliffe
(Pastor Rebecca on Sabbatical)