Be Newly Created

16 Mar

Thus says the Lord:
Lo, I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
The things of the past shall not be remembered
or come to mind.  (Is 65:17)

One of the beautiful things that Lent does is to give us an opportunity to step out of the way we usually do things and consider something new.  We do that by making sacrifices — giving up favorite things — and we also do that by doing positive good throughout the season.

Giving up and doing more both help us to focus less on ourselves and more on others.  In focusing more on others, of course, we have that much more opportunity to encounter the Lord who, indeed, dwells in all of His people.

While Isaiah’s vision sounds so wonderful — new heavens and a new earth — we realize that it comes at a cost.  If something is made anew, there are parts of the thing that will have to go.

That is why Lent can be a bit painful.  We are asked to pluck out the things that hinder us from encountering our God as deeply as we could.  Removing those obstacles often is not easy; but, it is very necessary.

Our Lenten season continues.  We are challenged to look past any internal pain or suffering that might be coming our way and focus on the larger goal: closer union with God.

Hang in there.  Hold firm.  Keep the faith.  It will be well worth it.

FAITH ACTION:  Forsake the ways that have kept you from God.  Allow the Lord to make you into something new this day.