“You made me bold with strength in my soul.”
Psalm 138:3b, NASB
As a child I had the mysterious ashes applied to my forehead at the beginning of the Lent season, hearing the haunting “ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” as they were applied.
Later as a teen I rejected the practice of Lent when I came into my own faith thinking it was an effort to pay for sin already paid for. After years of following, learning and studying the Word I find I am humbled into respecting this age-old practice started several hundred years after Jesus ascended to heaven.
Though it is not specifically from the Bible there are reasons the sacrificial practice assists us in making ourselves available to God, to stop and open space to allow Him to break through our busyness and assumptions.
Lately I’ve noticed a sloppiness in my physical, spiritual and mental disciplines; even in reactions that beg more influence of the Spirit in me. I desire sharpness of body, mind and spirit to be attentive to Him, aware of my own soul and prepared to reach out to others. He is worthy of so much more. As I was meditating I remembered Lent and the purpose of giving extra attention through setting something aside for a time. I sensed an invitation to draw nearer, to hear clearer and to love dearer.
In my noticing this slackness it’s tempting to take on condemnation. But that is another’s voice. Rather I’ll take on empowerment through His filling, His forgiveness and His presence. He’s reaching out His kind hand to pull me up to higher places with Him, to growth and new freedom. I think I’ll accept that invitation!
What is your soul being invited to these days?