13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Lent 2009 comes at a time of uncertainty and unknownness. Many people are forced into disciplines they never wished to practice: restraint, budgeting, cutting back, abstinence. It may seem the time to soften the call of God, to make his way easier, his truth more palatable and his life less demanding. But God’s knowledge of our frailty flows from his love for us, his compassion comes because he knows we are but dust. Although our circumstances may be different the call of Lent, to take up our cross and follow him is still the same. What will it look like fo you, to lay down aspects of life and to pick up a deeper commitment to Jesus?
Lord Jesus,
Desert dweller,
Help us now,
At this time of Lent,
To accompany you.
If we have grown soft,
Cushioning our lives
With excuses
Expose us to the toughness
Of your way.
If we have grown lazy,
Cushioning our minds
With easy, thin thoughts,
Expose us to the rigour
Of your truth.
If we have grown comfortable,
Cushioning our living
With satisfaction and success,
Expose us to the challenge of your life.
As we walk,
God be our way.
As we learn,
God be our truth.
As we grow
God, be our life.
We pray in Jesus name
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