We are the ones who determine the frequency and depth of the connection we have with Him by working on our part in the relationship.
The Lenten season is upon us, 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 while considering areas they’d like to change. One of the practices during Lent’s 40 days is to fast from something that may be hindering your walk with Christ. This could be something as simple as deleting an app on your phone that takes up too much of your time or something more complex like abstaining from a particular food or meal during the day to focus your attention and prayers on God during that time.
Another practice during Lent could be adding something into your routine instead of taking something out. This could look like adding the action of memorizing more scriptures, delving deeper into a particular book of the Bible, or adding more prayer time into your morning or evening routine. Whichever practice we decide to take on over Lent, we must remember that we have the active and breathing Word of God to guide, strengthen, and protect us.
Here are three ways that scripture can strengthen us during Lent as we walk with our Savior Jesus:
1. Gives Us Direction
Maybe one of the hardest parts of Lent practice is simply figuring out what God wants you to give up or add to your daily schedule. Sometimes, it only takes a second to realize something has been weighing you down or that the Holy Spirit has been convicting you of something lately. You may think there is no hope in a certain area of your life, and you know down in your heart that you are not as close to Jesus lately because you are afraid of being vulnerable with Him and yourself. The awesome part of being a Christian is that our Savior is always available to us and that we have the Holy Spirit inside us! We are the ones who determine the frequency and depth of the connection we have with Him by working on our part in the relationship.
If you are uncertain as to what direction you need to take over Lent, I’d love to encourage you to take some time, pray, sit in silence to listen to the Holy Spirit, and delve into the Word. These are actions we can take to hear from God and receive direction. As it says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” We need to become humble in these next few weeks because following our Savior's direction can result in tremendous growth and connection with Him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says it so much better than I could: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us 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
It will undoubtedly be true that once you begin your Lent journey, Satan will be sitting, ready to attack you. This may be through discouragement, negative self-talk, or, like Jesus, through temptation. Matthew 4:1-4 details to us how Jesus was attacked by Satan with temptations while he was perceived as more susceptible during His fasting experience, but He fought back against the temptations with the Word: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God"'" (Matthew 4:1-4).
If Jesus is subject to temptation by a pestering devil, you better believe we are as well. You may think Jesus has more strength because He is man and God in one. While He does have something on us sinful humans in His perfection, He was able to stand firm against Satan’s attacks through His trust, faith, and the power of the Word from His mouth. And don’t forget, as believers, we now have the power of the Holy Spirit inside us! We have the Word of God, the same tool that Jesus used against Satan, at our disposal too! Having the Word of God in our hearts and minds and coming out of our mouths is the strongest defense against Satan’s attacks. Don’t forget that we serve a mighty God who has already conquered sin and death, and we are already victorious through Jesus Christ! Let this reminder from Ephesians 6:13-17 be just the pep talk you need to suit up for battle:
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
3. Protection for Our Hearts and Minds
So many outlets in our world want to capture our attention. If we want to be stronger in our faith, protect our hearts and minds, and resolve to do God’s will, we need the true Word of God to guide our every step. This Lent season you may need to work on renewing your heart and mind and clearing out any cobwebs or bitterness that has set in over the past year. You will need to be discerning about what you will let into your ears and eyes as this can protect you against possible temptations and help to keep you strong. As we are reminded in Philippians 4:4-9, we are to: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. 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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
As we’ve been reminded, the Word is the sword of the Spirit. It is a powerful weapon and protects us from the temptations that Satan brings our way. It can also protect our minds and hearts from going down dark roads. During this Lent season, you may decide to dig deeper into scripture every day. I know I would like to be better at having more scripture memorized, not to sound theological in conversations or prayers, but to have the Word so inscribed and etched into my heart and mind that it is my initial go-to for strength. I want more scripture to be at the ready when life throws a curve ball of anxiety and pain at me. I pray that as God gives you the direction to go through this Lent season you find comfort in knowing that your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are also on this journey with you. May we encourage one another this Lent season and continue to be grateful for the opportunity to be strengthened by the Word of God.
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