In the traditional Christian Church calendar, we are now in the season of Lent. According to one resource, it is a “period of preparation and fasting…observed before the Easter festival since apostolic times, though the practice was not formalized until the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.” https://www.britannica.com/print/article/336104 It begins on “Ash Wednesday” and lasts for the 40 days before Holy Week. Different churches observe this season in various ways, but it is generally understood to be a time to either give up some specific pleasure “as a way to foster simplicity and self-control” or “…as a reminder to pray and to refocus on spiritual matters.”
The concept of using this time to pray and focus on spiritual matters or disciplines is important. It may be a time that we feel led to give up some habit or attitude that is unhealthy or unkind, eg. a critical spirit, gossip, etc. (also possibly but not necessarily a food item) or our focus may be to develop some deeper connection to God. Developing “Spiritual Disciplines” is a topic written by many prominent Christian leaders over the centuries, but has not often been discussed or emphasized in my experience, or journey of faith. I recently read a small booklet entitled “Intimacy with the Almighty” (Swindoll, Chuck; with the study guide co-authored by Gary Matlack Thomas Nelson Publisher 1996 )
The 4 disciplines (which is a Greek concept simply meaning ‘to train’ p. 3) listed in this booklet are: Simplicity, Silence, Solitude, and Surrender. Many important ideas and concepts are outlined and developed which help us to develop that “intimacy” with God whom we may ‘know’ but not be not intimate.
To quote the authors these disciplines are summarized as the following: (p.4) (Scripture verses and underlining added)
•Simplicity, which requires reordering our lives
Prov. 17:1 “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” ESV
Matthew 6:33 “ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
•Silence, which asks us to be still
Psalms 46:10a “Be still and know that I am God.”
•Solitude, which involves cultivating serenity
Mark 1:35 “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
•Surrender, which beckons us to let go
Luke 9:23,”And he (Jesus) said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Each of these areas offer so many good and important principles! But, as I have reflected on these areas, and am attempting to implement them, I want to also include a few others:
•Scripture reading
Psalms 119:11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
•Supplication ‘religious prayer’, from the Latin verb (supplicare) meaning ‘to plead humbly’
Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
•Sacrifice: of thanksgiving and of praise
Psalms 50:14a “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving…”
Hebrews 13:15, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” ESV
As I think about these weeks before the observance of Holy Week, and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus; it seems so fitting to intentionally seek to deepen my commitment to Him and my gratitude for all He has done!!
This is NOT meant to be an attempt to heap legalism and more rules onto myself or others; but rather to “draw near to God” and experience how “He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a)
During this time of worldwide conflicts, chaos, and war; and following the 2 years of global pandemic -- making earnest “supplication” (intercessory prayer) and humbly seeking God’s guidance, comfort, protection, and provision is vital!! Praying for ourselves, and also for the millions of others around the world, who are in great need. Also to faithfully and “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise” and thanksgiving to the One who tells His people to “be strong and courgeous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with youl He will never leave us or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) These were words given to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land, with Joshua as their leader. There were many unknowns before them, and aspects to make them afraid. The point was to remember that their God (also our God, when we choose to believe in and receive His Son, Jesus) would always be with them, as they followed His leading!
The more we seek to take time to simplify, to be silent and have solitude with Him, to surrender to Him; and then to make supplication to Him along with sincere gratitude and praise to Him…we will be on our way to that very special intimacy the Lord desires to have with us!
Let me summarize in this way: May this season of Lent be a time when we
Reflect in, and Look up, in order to Give out!
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Dear Lord, How can we ever thank You enough for all You have done for us? Help us to diligently pursue these ‘disciplines’; train and develop in us these principles, and then let us experience the blessing of growing into a more intimate relationship with You! May this lead to a greater capacity to “give out” the love You desire us to show to others. We pray this with humble hearts and an attitude of praise, and by Your grace! Amen.