Lent is a time to draw closer to Christ by making sacrifices and adding holy habits such as prayer, scripture study, and almsgiving. Many people find it difficult to fast and add almsgiving and prayer into their habits. Lent is often met with disdain because one might feel that failure is just around the corner.
May I be so bold as to suggest that you fall into failure this year?
When you forget that it’s “Fish Friday,” be grateful that you have a Savior! Recognize that God sees every failure, every sin, every thought, and every bad habit; that He loves you desperately and unconditionally. He tells us “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Instead of feeling bad about yourself all Lenten season, fall in love all the more with the Savior who is doing a mighty work in you! Surrender all to Him and ask for His Divine Mercy, mercy that is made new every morning.
Humility is not feeling bad about what a mess you’ve made, or feeling that indeed you ARE a mess. It is recognizing whole-heartedly that you need God while also believing that it is HIS power that makes you whole.
Maybe read that again. Through Christ, you are whole. You are not a failure. You are cherished and chosen.
As you move forward in Lent, may this scripture passage console you and lead you into praise:
“He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:2-3.