James 4:8a – Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (NKJV)

My friend gave me a series of Lenten devotionals this year, and I observed Lent for the first time since I became a Christian many years ago. I learned that it is never too late to journey with Christ to the cross. As I read the Scriptures leading into each successive devotional, the more real and personal Christ's suffering became to me. I was drawn into a deeper humility and reverence toward my Saviour. My soul was being transformed, making more room for the Holy Spirit to work in and through me with the power, love, and discipline of God.

In the beginning of my journey into Lent, I had struggled with what thing to give up during this time of prayer and penitence. Finally, I realized that for this year, Christ had other plans. He didn't need external things from me, currently, but He wanted me to have a more deeply surrendered heart. Through this journey, as I acquiesced my will to Him, I became an even more willing vessel. I drew closer to God, and He drew closer to me. With that newfound immediacy with Christ, I can better fulfill the purpose that He has for me to His honour, as the fulfillment of His work is done by Christ alone.

As I drew nearer to the cross with Christ, I could sense the pain that my own sin had caused Him and the price that He paid for my freedom from it. I grieved about that. As I read and prayed, I embraced who I am in Christ. The blessing of salvation gives me confidence that only in Christ can I be sure of the forgiveness of my sins. That assurance allows me to live without guilt and to look forward with the hope of eternal life, because He is the worthy Lamb Who was slain.

If you have never prepared your heart as a sanctuary to spend time alone with Christ as He journeyed to the cross, as I had not, I gently suggest that you try it. We can participate in this activity at any time of the year. Marvel at the grace of God, as He chose His only begotten Son to pay the penalty of death for the sins of the world. You will find how personal His sufferings, His death, and His resurrection become as you meld into the gospel. See how your gratitude, empathy, and compassion grow. Keep a written, digital, or audio journal to refer to. As we get to know Him better, the more ties to this world will fall away, and the more closely we will draw near to Him.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us draw closer to You with every breath we take, knowing that what You have in mind for us is much better than anything that we can come up with. May our thoughts be according to Your will as You come near to us, and may Your desires be the will of our hearts. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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