Lent is approaching, and for many Christians it’s a time of dedication and deepening their relationship with Jesus. Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on their lives and habits and consider areas they would like to change. One of the practices during the 40 days of Lent is to fast from anything that may be hindering your walk with Christ. This can be something as simple as deleting an app on your phone that takes up too much time, or something more complex like cutting back on certain foods or meals during the day and focusing your attention and prayer on God during those times.
Another habit during Lent might be to add something to your routine rather than take something away. This may look like memorizing more scriptures, digging deeper into certain books of the Bible, or adding prayer time to your morning or evening routine. No matter what practices we decide to engage in during Lent, we must remember that we have the active, breathing Word of God to guide us, strengthen us, and protect us.
Here are three ways the Bible strengthens us as we walk with our Savior Jesus during Lent.
1. It gives you direction.
Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of practicing Lent is thinking about what God wants you to give up and add to your daily schedule. Sometimes you realize in a split second that something is weighing you down, or that the Holy Spirit has been convicting you of something lately. You may feel that there is no hope in certain areas of your life. You may also know deep down that you haven’t been able to get as close to Jesus lately because you’re afraid of being weak, both to Him and to yourself. The great thing about being a Christian is that the Savior is always with us and the Holy Spirit lives within us. We determine the frequency and depth of our connection with God by playing our part in our relationship with Him.
If you’re wondering what direction to take during Lent, I encourage you to take a moment to pray, sit quietly and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and dig deep into His Word. These are actions we can take to hear God’s word and receive direction. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful; it is sharper than the sharpest double-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joints and marrow; it exposes the deepest thoughts and desires of our hearts.” We need to humble ourselves in the coming weeks because following the Savior’s instructions can bring great growth and connection with Him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says it much better than I can. “All Scripture is inspired by God and serves to teach us truth and to help us realize what is wrong in our lives. It teaches us to correct when we are wrong and 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
There is no doubt that Satan is sitting and ready to attack you as you begin your Lenten journey. It may be due to discouragement, negative self-talk, or, like Jesus, temptation. Matthew 4:1-4 details how Satan attacked Jesus during a fasting experience when He seemed more susceptible, but Jesus countered the temptation with these words: 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 was subject to the persistent temptations of the devil, we had better believe that so are we. You might think that Jesus has more power because he is both human and God. Although God owes something to us sinful humans in His perfection, His trust, faith, and the power of His Word have enabled us to stand firm against Satan’s attacks. And remember, as believers, we now have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We have at our disposal the same tool that Jesus used against Satan: God’s Word. Having God’s Word in your heart and mind and out of your mouth is the most powerful defense against Satan’s attacks. Remember, we serve a mighty God who has already conquered sin and death, and we have already achieved victory through Jesus Christ. Let this reminder from Ephesians 6:13-17 be the encouragement you need to prepare for battle.
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground and stand up after you have done everything, with the belt of truth around your waist and the breastplate of righteousness on your feet, Be prepared and stand firm, which comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
3. Protection of our hearts and minds
So many news organizations around the world want our attention. If we want to grow in our faith, guard our hearts and minds, and resolve to do God’s will, we need God’s true Word to guide us every step of the way. This Lent, you may need to renew your heart and mind and work on clearing away the cobwebs and bitterness from the past year. You need to be careful about what you put in your ears and eyes. Because by doing so you can protect yourself from possible temptations and stay strong. As Philippians 4:4-9 reminds us, we should: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice, and let your gentleness be manifest to all men. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything. But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will come to you in Christ.” Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever you have learned, whatever you have heard from me, whatever you have seen of me, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is beautiful, whatever you have seen of me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
As we have remembered, words are the sword of the Spirit. It is a powerful weapon and protects us from the temptations that Satan brings. It can also protect our hearts and minds from walking down a dark path. During this season of Lent, you may decide to dig deeper into the scriptures each day. I would like to be able to memorize more scriptures. Instead of trying to sound theological in conversations and prayers, I want the Word to be etched into my heart and mind and make me want to be strong. I want to have more scriptures on hand when life throws me curveballs of anxiety and pain. As God directs you through this season of Lent, I pray that you find comfort in knowing that your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are also on this journey with you. This Lent, may we continue to be grateful for the opportunity to encourage one another and be strengthened by God’s Word.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Coompia77
Mandy Smith started her blog ‘My Joyous Heart’ in 2011, began writing freelance in 2013 and is now the proud author of this blog. Almost there: A 30-day journey that puts tomorrow’s uncertainties ahead of today’s promises.. Mandy is single, currently works full-time as a speech therapist, and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Communication in all its forms has always been a major part of Mandy’s life, both personally, professionally and spiritually. You can read more of her writing at: www.myjoyousheart.com and connect with her facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitterand YouTube.
