Good morning! I hope this email finds you safe from the storm and your Spring Break going well… even for those of us who are still working away! Our Lenten devotional writer for today is the wonderful Claire Girman. Claire is a Junior from Chapel Hill, NC, who is majoring in Journalism. Many of you may know Claire through her role as President of our Chi Alpha Campus Ministry, or in her work as the TCU Athletics Media Relations Intern. If you know her then you’ve undoubtedly been the recipient of a warm and bright smile that invites you in and makes you feel at home. If you haven’t met her, well… you’re missing out. Claire has a heart of gold and is willing to go above and beyond to help you in any way she can. I believe that’s connected to, and deeply rooted in, her faith – this deep and overwhelming desire to be in relationship with and a help to others. There is no hidden agenda with Claire – there’s simply kindness and compassion. I hope her words will be helpful to you on your Lenten journey – that your life might be changed as a result of these 40 days. Blessings on your journey…
Todd
March 8, 2016 By: Claire Girman
“Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” – Psalm 32: 6-7
Throughout our everyday lives, we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of today, the worries of tomorrow and expectations of the future. Our lives are often filled with distractions that can take us away from living a life with Christ. Lent is a time for spiritual renewal. It is a time for us to re-focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. We give this time to the Lord by making small sacrifices, or taking on little gains, to reflect on and remember the great sacrifice of our Savior and to renew ourselves.
Often what we don’t consider is what effect these actions we take during Lent have on our relationship with God. We can get caught up in the actions, themselves, and forget what emotional impact they have on our spiritual relationships. What comes with great sacrifice, is great vulnerability. When Jesus entered the wilderness, to pray and fast for 40 days, he faced hardships. He was tempted by Satan, but sought out God and found strength and clarity to resist temptation. He was ready to begin his ministry. What we don’t often question, is why Jesus made the decision to separate himself from his everyday life, to go into the wilderness.
Maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he needed to break away from the familiar routine to see God, and himself, more clearly. Perhaps he was seeking some intentional time with God as he searched for direction and answers, just like us. Like Jesus, we may need to take some serious time to pray and listen for God. Whatever we give up or take on during the Lent season, may we do it with the intent to listen more for God. Lent is a 40-day trial run in attempting to change our lifestyle, and allowing God to change our hearts.
God, We thank you for this time You have given us to breathe, rejuvenate and reflect in You… To reflect on the sacrifices of Your Son. May the actions we take this season draw us nearer to You and Your message for us. Amen.
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