I was seeking a devotional for Lent last week, and nothing caught my eye. This year I will write my own, and you can join me as we relentlessly pursue the Lord during Lent.

Lent may bring to mind a fantastic fish fry or giving up a favorite snack. I obviously did not get the point of Lent when I gave up candy bars as a kid and enjoyed a Reese’s Cup. They are round, not bars, so they not off limits, right?

A few years ago I was struck by Samuel’s words to Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22. Instead of giving up something, maybe I needed to add more praise and obedience in my day. Which brings me to today’s thoughts. “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lencten,” meaning spring.

Spring. Ahhhh. Flowers. Buds. Rebirth. Re-energized. No heavy burdens of coats. Sneezes. Watery, itchy eyes. Spring! I love this word for a season of the church where we intentionally revitalize our relationship with the Lord. We know that he is never far from us. Our hearts are prone to wander, not his!

Early Spring. Our life in Jesus withstands the unsuspected, making our story more beautiful than what we would write.

Looking up “Lent” in various internet searches, we often find the words reflection and self examination. For the next 40 days we are going to read scripture that brings us closer to the Lord, relentless pursuing reflection, repentance, and a renewed call to live in his love.

We start our Lenten reflection with a psalm of praise. Speak these words aloud with a sacrifice of praise to almighty God, and let his power renew your day. Amen.

Psalm 95:1-7 ESV

LET US SING SONGS OF PRAISE

95 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
    and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
    the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.