Lent: God for Us
“Lent is about nurturing a posture that holds all things lightly…” -Greg Pennoyer
This quote came from a book that I found the other day while I was perusing the books in the NCF Library. (Thank you to all who have contributed to this collection and the management of it–what a resource gem!)
If you’ve listened to my recent teaching, Prayer: A Child-Like Beginning, you know that I don’t want to add “just one more thing” to my life in this season of Lent; nor do I want to put that on anyone else! So, I picked up this book on Lent with a bit of hesitancy, but was compelled by the title God for Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent & Easter. The “God for Us” part sparked my interest. The book’s premise is that in the same way we experience and celebrate God WITH US in the Advent & Christmas season, we can experience and celebrate God FOR US in the Lent & Easter season.
I’ve only just begun reading this book and already am enjoying the ease and freshness of the writing. I really like that this book is made up of SHORT chapters. It’s mostly set up as a daily devotional book with daily scripture readings each day. There are also chapters explaining the history and practices surrounding this season. The content is brought to us by a variety of authors contributing. And because of the structure, you could pick it up and just read the chapter for the day (even if you missed other readings that week!).
Here’s my reflections on a few quotes that resonate with me from today’s reading:
“In Lent we learn that the meaning of life is not dependent upon the fulfillment of our dreams and aspirations. Nor is [the meaning of life] lost within our brokenness and self-absorption. That meaning is still there–and it can be found.”-Greg Pennoyer
This is so comforting to me–as I have so many unfulfilled dreams and so much brokenness and I must admit, at times I’m very self-absorbed. To think that we can learn and keep the meaning of life before us, irregardless of our successes and failures, is such a good reminder!
I’ve kind of lost the wonder of this season as I’ve just gotten used to it being a set of dates on my calendar and a set of familiar Bible stories taught at church. To recapture the beauty and significance of God being FOR US is a much needed reminder to me. I believe it, I speak it, but sometimes I don’t feel it. But no matter my feelings, the truth remains: God brings life in ALL areas where we face death in our lives.
“Lent and Easter reveal the God who is FOR US in ALL of life–for our liberation, for our healing, for our wholeness. Lent and Easter remind us that even in death there can be found resurrection.”-Greg Pennoyer (emphasis added)
However you choose to engage with the practices and reflections in this season of Lent & Easter, may you come to embrace God being for YOU. And may that truth bring hope to you and propel you into being able to celebrate Easter irregardless of how your life looks right now.
–Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor