By Kristin Molitor

 

 

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart
for I am gracious and merciful.
~ Joel 2:12-13


As a life-long midwestern gal, I’ve certainly weathered my fair share of winter weather and “arctic blasts.” 

While winter does have a cozy charm to it, anyone who has ever endured the dreaded sub-zero Midwestern “cold snap” knows that winter can also be harsh, bitter, and downright long.

The Assurance of Spring

With March being right around the corner, all of us here in America’s Heartland will start speculating about the arrival of warmer weather. 

It’s funny that we never question if spring will come, just when it will come. Experience tells us that spring comes at different times and in different ways, but it always comes.  Even the harshest winters will eventually yield to the gradual unfolding of spring.

The word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means “spring.” Spring is the season where we begin to experience the breakthrough of new life around us.  The season of lent propels us towards new life.  

What part of your heart needs new life?

Your Whole Heart

Today Jesus is inviting you to return to Him with your whole heart. He wants all of your heart—the hurting and broken places, the dark places, the harsh and bitter places, the places frozen over by grief, heartache, and loss.

The Son’s Warmth

These painful and tender areas can be challenging to face, but all we need to do is seek the Face of the Son, and He will do the rest. If we open our hearts to the warmth of His gaze, we will begin to see a slow and gradual thaw in the frozen and bitter places within us.

Spring might not come right away, but it always comes.  This Lent, let’s seek new life in the Son.

 

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to reveal to you the areas of my heart in need of your healing. Please provide me with the courage to step towards the Son’s light. Open my heart to receive all you desire to give me this Lent.

Call to Action

What part of your heart needs new life? Where does your heart feel harsh and bitter? What is weighing you down? Who do you need to forgive? This Lent, bring these parts of your heart to confession to be cleansed, purified, and made new.

 

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