Desert — NOT Dessert
We’re nine (9) days into Lent, but whose counting? Me! I’m numbering the days to Easter in my journal. The end of this season isn’t even in sight yet. Do I sound whiny? “PLEASE, just one tiny taste of chocolate!!”
I may sound whiny but I’m really not. I know I need this season — inside and out! Lent is the time when I, with purpose and on purpose, make changes. It’s a personal time of interior inspection into my heart and soul AND body!
On the body part, I was eating like there was no tomorrow. I used the excuse that I’m too busy to focus on discipling my body. “Besides, Lent is coming up and I’ll pull it together then.” St. Paul, I need to take in your words: “I keep on disciplining my body, making it serve me so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
So, I’m back on my purposeful strengthening and working out this body. I’m also honing in on better eating habits (The Daniel Fast — all fruits and vegetables during Lent).
But, most important is this season of taking a deep dive into the journey of our Lord and Savior. It’s about “coming clean”. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10).
It’s about repentance, restraint and preparation for Jesus’ death on the cross and self-giving love that puts aside our own wants and needs in favor of obedience to God.
Please don’t misunderstand me when I say “preparation for Jesus’ death on the cross”. We’re not putting Him back on the cross. He died once and for ALL! We get to do life with Him forever. We are embracing the cross for which He gave His life for you and me.
It doesn’t really sound so enticing, does it? There is no party-hardy in the equation. I want my coffee and my chocolate! I want a prayer life that I instantly become a saint. I want to ease my way through Lent and life without struggles, hunger pains, worry and going to the desert. I want my needs met and my pockets filled to the brim with God’s goodness. I want world peace. And, can’t we all just get along?
I’ve come to know that Lent is the reminder that this sort of thinking is, well, ashes and dust. It is the reminder that none of THAT stuff matters in the light of eternity. Lent is for focusing the mind, heart, and spirit on God and taking a trip to the desert — NOT a trip for dessert!
That’s the first thing to notice about Lent — the desert. Jesus spent forty days in the desert fasting and contending with the devil. But He came out of that contending empowered by the Holy Spirit and His miracle ministry began.
That’s how I hope to come out of this Lenten season — empowered to love greater, being a stronger, devoted follower of Christ, and shining brighter with His bright light (AND let’s be real — a few pounds lighter with less craving for sweets).
Lent always ends at Easter. Christ has conquered death. Easter always comes. If we are experiencing struggles, it doesn’t mean we are spiritual failures. It means we are participants in the life of Jesus and, in Him and with Him, we, too will be empowered and have great hope of sharing His reward. And, please Lord, may the rewards include a chocolate sundae!