The Blog
We all know it in our heads, but more importantly, we feel it in our bones. It’s clear when war rages, the defenseless are mistreated, the stranger is abused, or a loved one falls ill. It resonates when we yell at our child again or turn back again to a sin that we thought we put to death. It’s a truth that hardly needs to be spelled out—one on which every single world religion agrees.
There’s something wrong, something off, something bent and broken about the world. Sin seems to reign all around us, and its consequences—sickness, pain, and death—are everywhere we look. Such a tragic reality should bring us to our knees. It should evoke deep emotion in us. It should shake us to the core.
When we consider the state of our world today—and much of our own lives, despite being born again Christians—we should mourn.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Just as Jesus Himself experienced deep emotion at the grave of His friend Lazarus, angry at the effects of sin and grieved by the pain it brings (John 11:33, 35), so too it is good and godly for us as believers to acknowledge sin and the suffering it brings—and look to our Savior who suffered to save us from it all.
Lent provides us with time to do just that.
What is Lent?
A forty-day period on the church calendar (excluding Sundays) set apart for reflection and prayer leading up to Easter, Lent is often observed by fasting, either from food or something else.
Lent is an opportunity to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus—and the reason why He had to die. It’s a chance to slow down and take in the horror of sin—its awfulness, its pervasiveness, its ugly consequences—and weep. And it’s an invitation to consider the life and death of Christ for us, to deliver us from the power of sin—and one day, from its presence entirely.
Why is Lent important?
As believers, despite being saved by grace through faith, we often forget what we’ve been saved from. If we’re honest, we don’t spend much time contemplating the gravity of sin—especially not the gravity of our sin.
So, to prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, and the new life He gives us when we put our trust in Him, it’s helpful to dedicate time to considering how lingering sin still leads to death in our own lives and how we can seek Jesus more faithfully.
What are you supposed to do at Lent?
Here are a few ideas for observing Lent. Do what works for you!
- Spend time in God’s Word. Try reading through a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and paying special attention to Jesus’ life, ministry, and death. Or, if you’re looking for more guidance, our Yarrow study Restored walks you through how sin affects our identity—and how Jesus changes everything.
- Take a break from social media, TV, or something else. Lent is an opportunity to minimize distractions that often crowd out God’s voice so we can seek Him more wholeheartedly.
- Confess your sin to God throughout the season and rejoice in God’s forgiveness extended to you in Christ.
Thinking about observing Lent this year? Download the Yarrow app and get a free 5-minute study every day throughout the season of Lent for free!