Top Ten Reasons Lent is Beneficial

Big Idea: Observing Lent as a spiritual discipline can draw us toward a deeper walk with God.

During Lent our focus is Jesus

My husband introduced me to Lent 22 years ago. For many years I have followed it half-heartedly, if at all.

 "It’s not my thing,” I thought to myself.

Recently I began to realize how valuable Lent is to me. It makes me more intentional in meditating on Jesus and all He has done for me at the cross and why that matters. Here are ten reason I now realize why Lent is so good for me.

Top ten reasons Lent is beneficial

1. Lent builds self-discipline and self-control

It takes discipline and self control to focus on fasting, or memorizing or helping others during a six week period. Self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23.

2. Lent helps evaluate life habits

I read an article from USA Today that even some atheists have observed Lent to evaluate and improve their life.

Search me oh God and know my heart. (Psalm 139:23)

3. Lent explores where you may be out of balance.

Our world is becoming more and more polarized, and our fixations heightened. Jesus told Mary and Martha that one thing is necessary. That is, sitting at the feet of Jesus. (Luke 10: 38-42)

4. Lent provides opportunity to help others

During Lent we might sacrifice time to reach out to others, give to those in need, and empathize with the hurting and the poor.

A good woman of God is known for her good deeds and help to others. (I Timothy 5:2)

5. Lent draws us out of self-absorption

We are a self absorbed people with nose in our cell-phones, rushing from one thing to the next. Lent draws us to God and others around us.

6. Lent reveals our sin and frailties

We hide our sins well, but God knows better. Lent is a good time to search our heart, and draw near to God. Examine yourself and confess your sins.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. I John 1:9 NLT

7. Lent helps us to grow and learn

Lent provides many opportunities to learn through reading the Bible more, reading about the cross, or helping others. Learning is part of growing in faith.

You will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10 NLT

8. Lent shows us, through Christ’s suffering, how to walk through life’s difficulties.

Sometimes Christians give an impression we should always be happy. We have access to a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) and a joy from within, not circumstantial (I Peter 1:8). But lament and pain in the desert are very real concepts in the Bible, and Lent is a good time to explore how it strengthens us.

Take up your cross and follow me. Matthew 16:2

9. Lent encourages us to dwell in the Bible

Psalm 119 is all about the benefits of God’s Word for our lives. If we read Easter accounts, meditate or memorize verses about the cross and the resurrection, or find a daily devotional on Lent, we are soaking ourselves in the Bible. It's gotta be good for us!

10. Lent makes us appreciate Easter Sunday all the more

Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:56

Lent as a Spiritual Discipline

A spiritual discipline is a practice or tool used to draw closer to God (i.e. Bible memorization and meditation, fasting and soaking prayer).

Lent can be a tool to draw us closer to Jesus and prepare our heart and mind to be glad for Resurrection Sunday.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23

Blog schedule for the month of March.

1. The when and why of Lent
2. What’s up with giving something up and eating fish?
3. Get ready to be thrilled this Easter
4. Ten reasons Lent is beneficial
5. 'Twas the week before Easter

Holy week: 'Twas the night before Easter

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Up next: 'Twas the week before Easter
Previous post: Get Ready to be Thrilled this Easter
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Reflect:

1. How do you think fasting, or observing Lent, is good for you?

2. Make it your intent to be intentional and thoughtful in this period leading to Easter.

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