So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders.

Deuteronomy 26:8

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 91:2

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

Luke 4:8

Deliverance, refuge and faithfulness. As we are delivered, so are we granted refuge – a sanctuary, a safe haven – a time and place of peace in which to restore our faith. Lent is a refuge, and a time of deliverance from the busyness of our lives into a haven and an opportunity to deepen our trust and our faith in God.

I used to struggle with the concept of Lent – the giving up of one of life’s many fruits. I struggled to find something that was meaningful, a daily temptation, but not too inconvenient to relinquish. I squirmed each year. But then I realized that Lent is less about giving up than it is about discipline, which for me, is carving out time each day to deepen my relationship with God. I pray on the fly; I hope the Sunday sermon, music and lessons will carry me through the week. But in Lent, I “give up” time – I create time – to read, to pray and to meditate daily. To know my refuge; to know my God, in whom I trust; and to pray that I might give more of myself and serve Him better in the year ahead.

Susan Carlson

Appointed readings for today: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Luke 4:1-13