“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27
Introduction
Lent started on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, and is a period of 40 days (excluding Sundays)
that precedes the celebration of Easter and continues through Holy/Maundy Thursday (March
28th, 2024). During Lent, we focus on preparing our minds and hearts to remember Jesus’ life,
death, and resurrection. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, I invite you to join me in exploring
this insightful devotional from Faithgateway.com, inspired by Susan Hill.
Today, we’ll reflect on how hope can change us, drawing inspiration from what Jesus did on the
cross. Let us, together as we read, aim to become better listeners and have strong hope even
when life gets tough.
Listening
Listening well has always been a challenge, but never more so than in the age of digital
distraction. There are constant banners running across the tops of our screens. A never-ending
flow of text messages and emails. News at all hours. It’s harder than ever to tune in to the
present moment. Perhaps you’ve been with a friend who was constantly checking their phone.
(Or maybe that’s been you at some point!) It’s difficult to have a robust conversation when one
person isn’t tuned in and fully engaged in the discussion.
Spiritually speaking, when you commit to slowing down and really listening to the voice of God,
you will enjoy the conversation so much more. When was the last time God spoke to you
through a passage of Scripture, an answered prayer, a nudge, or a quiet inner-knowing?
Consider setting aside some time to sit quietly before God.
Treat this like a dinner with an old friend. Put the phone away and listen to the words Jesus
speaks. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time for your mind to get quiet and focus. If your
thoughts tend to wander, read a passage of Scripture and spend several minutes thinking about
what it means. Or perhaps the quiet time before God will lead you to pray. You can also say this
prayer: Lord, I want to hear You speak. Help me to know You so well that I can distinguish
Your voice from all the others. Teach me to be a good listener.
Hope
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13
People need hope like spring plants need rain. Without hope, growth wanes. But often that
hope ebbs and flows. Some days it seems there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful. But then
something happens and, for a time, things look hopeless. How can we hold on to hope when
things look hopeless?
Reflecting on our history with God is an effective tool for refilling hope. During a difficult time,
the psalmist wrote, I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and
consider what Your hands have done. — Psalm 143:5
The key words here are:
Remember
Meditate
Consider.
The cross of Christ is a vivid reminder that God went to extravagant lengths for us. The apostle
Paul raised an important question: He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us
all — how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? — Romans 8:32
If God was willing to give us the ultimate gift in Jesus, we can be confident that He will provide
the lesser things.
Conclusion
This Lent season, take time to remember, meditate, and consider. Remember the ways God has
come through for you in the past. After all, He has brought you this far! Meditate on specific
scriptures that apply to your situation. Consider God’s character and track record of faithfulness
and ask Him to refill you with hope.
Prayer
Lord, I pray that You will refill me with hope. Teach me to remember the lengths You went to
for me, to meditate on Your promises, and to consider Your ways. Thank You for being the
God of hope.
GOOD IT IS TO KEEP THE FAST – A&M 89
- Good it is to keep the fast
shadowed forth in ages past,
which our own Almighty Lord
hallowed by his deed and word. - Moses, while he fasted, saw
God who gave by him the law;
to Elijah angels came,
steeds of fire and car of flame. - So was Daniel meet to gaze
on the sight of latter days
and the Baptist to proclaim
blessings through the Bridegroom’s name. - Grant us, Lord, like them to be
oft in prayer and fast with thee;
fill us with thy heavenly might,
be our joy and true delight. - Father, hear us through thy Son,
and the Spirit, with thee One,
whom our thankful hearts adore
ever and for evermore. Amen.
Sir H. W. Baker, (1821-1877)
Gregory the Great
Stay blessed!
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