Lent: A Season of Gratitude
Lent: A Season of Gratitude
I consider the 40 days of Lent a beautiful time for reflection as Christians observe Jesus’ sacrifice and retreat into the desert. For me, this time of year fills me with gratitude and appreciation as I bask in the glory of God’s love and grace.
I pray you, too, will find time to bask in the glory and beauty of God’s love this season. To slow down and reflect on the true meaning and essence of Lent.
Unfortunately, we live in a culture where gratitude is fleeting, and the current situation is to have or achieve more and more. Instant gratification is the new normal. Many people have an insatiable appetite that is never satisfied.
We are bombarded with messages telling us what we need to buy in order to feel fulfilled—our technological devices notify us of the most recent and much-needed items, which are distracting. The same devices vy for our attention, reminding us of our busy schedules and threatening the little time we have in our day.
With all these distractions, how can we, as Christian women, take time to slow down and reflect on the significance of this season with gratitude and thanks? How can we be genuinely thankful and praise God for all we have?
It comes down to centering our attention on God and building our lives, our foundation, on His Word and goodness. Let us remind ourselves of what is truly significant in our lives by giving God glory through gratitude and praise.
What is Gratitude?
What does it truly mean to be grateful?
The C.S. Lewis Institute defines gratitude as recognizing that we have not done everything for ourselves, but that we depend on others (especially God), and need to appreciate them for what they do for us.
We express gratitude when we thank a friend for encouraging our weary spirits, a stranger for holding the door open, and a fellow neighbor for offering a helping hand.
Most importantly, we show gratitude when we praise God for what He has done in our lives and thank Him for His provisions – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Lent is a season that offers us a time to do just that – to reflect and prayerfully offer thanks to God for all He has done and continues to do for us.
Engaging in a posture of gratitude requires us to be still and leave room for God to speak and move, but what do we do when the pressures of society start to outweigh our time for devotion?
Gratitude in a Fast-Moving World
It can be challenging to slow down during Lent. The demands on our time never seem to end, especially when it appears everything around us is moving at a rapid pace. And often, our to-do lists and responsibilities take priority, which leaves little room to slow down and experience the joy of gratitude.
So, why should we stop and embrace thankfulness? Well, it allows us to take inventory of what we have, gives space to declutter our hearts and minds, and enables us to step away from the pressure to do and acquire more, so we align our thoughts and focus on the One who cares for us.
When we practice gratitude, our faith is strengthened, our awareness is heightened, and we are more present as we prioritize slowing down and meditating on God’s Word.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, it is a blessing to us as we realign ourselves before starting the day or ground ourselves as we bring the day to a close.
How to Practice Gratitude in 3 Simple Ways
Three simple ways you can apply gratefulness to your life.
1. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Keeping a gratitude journal is an effective way to reflect on your blessings and a beautiful reminder of how God has remained faithful in your life. Journaling is also restorative because it reminds you of God’s promises and His love for you.
2. Read the Psalms
The Book of Psalms speaks of God’s unfailing character and expresses joy in the face of hardship that will uplift and encourage you in your spiritual journey. Take time daily to meditate as you read through the Book of Psalms. Psalm means praise in Hebrew and songs of praise in Greek. I cannot think of a more beautiful way to praise God this season of Lent.
3. Love Those Around You
Loving and caring for the people around you shows your gratitude as you honor Christ by giving the glory to Him. God calls us to love one another as He has loved. Showing gratitude by serving and loving the people around us glorifies God.
My Prayer for You
Fostering a heart of thankfulness can be a constant presence, particularly powerful during the season of Lent, and serves as a reminder that God is Sovereign, He loves His children, and every good and perfect gift comes from Him alone. (James 1:17)
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we enter the month of March, a time of transition and renewal, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. We thank you for your unending love and grace that sustains us each day. We are grateful for the opportunity to journey through the season of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Lord, in this season of Lent, help us to turn our hearts towards you and focus on what truly matters. May we use this time as an opportunity to grow closer to you and deepen our relationship with you. As we engage in acts of self-denial and spiritual discipline, may we be reminded of your great sacrifice for us and the immense love you have for each and every one of us.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:15-17 NIV
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