Photo by Максим Степаненко on Unsplash
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19 – Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Reflection: Since we are coming upon the beginning of Lent, this week, I want to begin refocusing my time. This is easier said than done. This will be my first Lenten season as a seminary student and Member (of the United Church of Christ) In Discernment; not to mention I have a full house to take care of, a full-time job, and many other responsibilities.
I don’t want to be typical Toby this year, and “give up” something that really won’t change my relationship with God. I don’t want to give up something, only to go back to it, full force, once this season of reflection is over.
I think the first thing I will do is change my terminology from “giving up” something to “letting go” of something. As I thought about the difference between the two, I was led to a website, https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-letting-go-and-giving-up-something (how convenient huh), that identified the difference between the two. The site says “There is a big difference between giving up and letting go. Giving up means selling yourself short. It means allowing fear and struggle to limit your opportunities and keep you stuck. Letting go means freeing yourself from something that is no longer serving you…” I will add an extra point of also freeing myself from something that is no longer serving God.
I will pose a few questions to myself, beginning with “What does God desire of me?” I want to be able to slow down enough the hear the “still small voice” of God. This Lenten season I want to be intentional about building with a purpose. Building a new me. Seeing myself as God sees me. During the 40-days of Lent, I will let go of the old and allow God to do something new.
What will you endeavor to “let go” of? Will you let go of negative self talk? Will you let go of being your own worst enemy? Will you let go of idle time? Will you let go of your past, and move confidently into this new season? Imagine what you can gain from letting go of those things God never wanted for you from the beginning.
Now is the time to truly let go and let God!
Prayer: My God – thank You for this season of reflection. Let me use this time to draw closer to You – to renew my dedication to Your Word and Your will. I seek to let go of former things, by leaving them at the foot of the Cross. I look forward to dwelling in Your presence. Thank you for giving me strength during this time. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Devoted to God 