How is your Bible reading going? How is your prayer life going? How are you doing after Lent, now that we are in the joy of Easter? People make Lenten vows of various types for a host of different reasons. Some give up alcohol or dessert, or experiment with fasting in order to grow closer to the Lord. Some try these same things in order simply lose a few pounds and get a little healthier.
Still others add to their routine; they start reading the Bible more, praying more, serving others more. Again, reasons and motivations vary, but still, after it’s all over. After we’ve openly celebrated the open tomb and the news from the two Marys that Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Now what?
What will you now do with whatever you learned or experienced as you embraced Lent in 2023? I’m not suggesting that the answer is to keep on perpetually with your disciplines after Lent is over. And yet, some of you, as you either gave something up or added something new, learned some things about yourselves. Some, perhaps all of you, have exited Lent and entered Eastertide (the seven-plus weeks of the Easter season) changed. If only a little. This is a good time to explore with someone you trust how to take whatever happened to you in Lent and carry the good things forward. It would be a shame to go to the gym for forty days, notice progress in your health and then just quit.
So, what does it mean for you personally to keep the spiritual momentum going in your life? I’m not in a position to just tell you what to do. But it seems worth asking the question. Will this be a new beginning in your walk with Christ? With this be the start of a permanent change in health habits so that at least theoretically, you’ll be around a little longer for the sake of those who love you and for your own personal ministry? Something to pray about for sure. Some things need to keep going. Others have perhaps worn out their welcome.
Easter is a time for resurrection. New life, New hope. Take some time to dream a little and share with someone you trust your hopes and plans for a new season with our Lord. He is risen, after-all!
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