AND SO IT BEGINS

 

March 5, 2025

 

Lent begins with a call to release control and embrace surrender. By letting go of the burdens we carry, we create space for God’s grace to bring renewal and transformation.

I believe a good focus scripture for us during Lent is Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

 Joel 2:12-13

Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a 40-day journey of reflection, turning towards God, and renewal. For many of us, it’s a season to step away from distractions and focus on spiritual practices that help deepen our personal faith. 

Perhaps you’re approaching this season with questions about faith or curiosity about who Jesus is, and his relevence to your life. Lent is an opportunity to explore what it means to let go of burdens and open your heart to something deeper. What if this season became a turning point, a time to release guilt, fear, or doubt and experience God’s love and grace in a new way. The message of Ash Wednesday is a invitation for us to remember that we have limits and that we need God in all areas of our lives.

Joel 2:12-13 above, calls us to "return to the Lord with all your heart." God is gracious and compassionate, ready to embrace us. This Bible passage reminds us that repentance is not about shame but really about surrendering our hearts to God’s mercy and love. What Joel wants us to grasp is that God is abounding in love for us this day, and all we need to do is turn towards God.

RESPONSE
Take a moment today to ask God to reveal areas where you need to let go. Pray for the courage to surrender your fears, sins, or burdens and experience renewal in His grace.