Lent-a time to Resolve to grow our relationship with God. A season in which we Repent and Reconcile with those we have hurt. Lent is a time to RESTORE the focus of our hearts first and then RESTORE things that are damaged in our lives, relationships, and even the world.
God is already and always at work to Restore the broken places of the world and our lives. Psalm 126 is a hymn of rejoicing about restoration of Israel. The people proclaim, When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy…The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced…May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy... (Psalm 126)
The love of God is what brings good out of what may seem, or even be, evil. The conquest and exile of the people of Israel was horrible. Broken relationships in families are hurtful. Actions that harm children or the poor are terrible. Destruction of our world is awful. The impact of the Corona virus is widespread, and mostly still unknown. We may look at all of these, and more, and feel depressed and helpless.
We can forget that God is at work in and through us. When we turn to God, we can be refreshed, Restored, and find new life and joy. We can open our hearts to find a new way of love for one another, even those we think we have nothing in common with. We can work to Restore things that are amiss. All our hearts together can make a difference!
In the days of living through the COVID19 pandemic, and the changes to our lives, let us remember that God is present in the storm. There is a prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book that has helped me remember this:
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to us
as we wait in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make us the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you. Amen
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to us
as we wait in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make us the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you. Amen
The collect for Lent 5 tells us we find joy in focusing on God. Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
LENT BOX
Our Lent box (a small box, plastic bag or storage container) now has a ribbon, a rock or bead, and seeds. This week we’ll put in a heart to help us remember to keep our hearts fixed on God.
Cut out a heart. On one side of the heart write some things that are broken in your life or in the world. Offer them to God with a prayer.
Living Lent
Write ways God shows you his love on the other side of the heart.
Many churches are adding new and additional online services to offer opportunities for all of us to keep our hearts fixed on Jesus. Take advantage of some of them.
What can you restore in your life/world in this time of uncertainty?
Pray that your heart can remain focused on God so that you can be God’s love in the world to Restore it.
