What are you giving up?
It’s a common question this time of year. The season of Lent is observed by many people of various denominations. Most popular is what you’re giving up, things like coffee, chocolate, alcohol, the snooze button, etc.
I’m embarrassed to admit that this season became another quick fix diet for me. I figured if I’d give up a certain food or food group in the name of faith, I’d stick with it and get the results I wanted. I mean, if you tell Jesus you’re going to do something, you want to keep your word, right?!
But if I was committing that act to the Lord in the first place, then why couldn’t I do it any other time of the year? My heart wasn’t right. My motivation was selfish instead of submissive. I was in it for what I’d gain instead of how I could sacrifice and so identify more with the Lord who gave up His life for me.
At first reaction, the phrase giving up might prompt negative thoughts – quitting, tired, frustrated, over it.
What about getting determined about giving up? Draw a line in the sand and say it’s time to quit, give up, get over x. (You and the Lord decide what that thing is.)
What is it that is causing frustration and drawing you away from the Lord? I doubt it’s coffee or chocolate. Instead, it might be those negative words you’re saying to yourself. It might be an obsession with the number on the scale. What about the diet you have been on again and off again for months?
No matter how you approach Lent, take some time to check your heart. Decide how you will spend this holy season so that you are forever changed at the end of the 40 days. Whatever you choose to give up, will it benefit your relationship with the Lord? He desires a close relationship with you. What is standing between you and Him? Think about giving that up. He loves you so very much just as you are.
The first devotional I published was 40 Days of Faith and Fitness: A Devotional Journal. While you can do it anytime of year, I published it with Lent in mind. Following is an excerpt of Day 5. Consider picking up a copy and doing Lent differently this year.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plan.
Psalm 16:3 (NIV)
I’m a Type A personality. I like lists and goals and agendas. I have the family calendar pretty much memorized. I live by a schedule and always have a plan.
When it comes to health and fitness, I’ve followed all kinds of diets and programs. I’ve read magazine after magazine and have clipped articles on everything from what to eat and when and how to exercise to every sort of recipe imaginable.
For the longest time, I separated my faith and my fitness. Yes, I prayed the Lord would help me lose weight and like myself (in that order…weight had to come off first, right??). But then I pored through books and magazines for diets, supplements, exercises, etc., that claimed to help me achieve the body I was hoping for.
It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I realized that I had to commit this fitness plan to the Lord. I had to seek His input on what was best for my body. It wasn’t something I could come up with on my own and then hope He’d bless. HE wanted to be the one to show me.
I had to commit to the Lord the changes I needed in my body and mind. Then He would help me with that plan.
It took nearly 40 years, but I got there.
Oh there are many times I try to go by my plan, but I quickly realize that I have to let Him be my planner!
Prayer
Lord, I want to change my thoughts towards my body. I want to live a healthy and fit life. I need You to show me the plan that is right for me. Lead me on this journey. I trust that with You I can do this. Amen.
Action Step
If you have a plan written out or a book you’re reading or trying to follow, literally lay it out before the Lord. Pray over it. Ask Him if this is where He’s really leading you. If it is, then stick to it. If not, then ask Him to show you a better way.
You can find 40 Days of Faith and Fitness and my other devotionals on Amazon.
