Turn It Off

Lent is a season that calls us to slow down, a stark contrast to our fast-paced, noisy world. Yet, it’s a time when the Church gives us permission to pause and re-evaluate our lives. For 40 days and 40 nights, we’re encouraged to walk with Jesus to the cross and ultimately to the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. This journey demands intentionality and a desire to know God better.

For many of us, this means changing our daily routines, which can be disruptive at best. But like any change, growth comes when we step out of our comfort zones and trust in God.

As a child, Lent was a time for my family and me to take a closer look at our relationship with Jesus. It was a chance to identify and discard actions that hindered our connection with God. Through examination and confession, we uncovered destructive behaviors that demanded correction or repentance. This opened the door for us to take actions that deepened our knowledge and understanding of God. Whether it was personal study of God’s word or additional times of corporate prayer and worship, our goal was always to draw closer to Him.

Lent challenges us to disconnect from the distractions of the world. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy. It can be costly. Jesus emphasizes the importance of the spiritual discipline of prayer throughout the Gospel of Luke. His practice of separating Himself from the world and spending time in prayer was a sign of His commitment to his Father.

Henri Nouwen reminds us that praying primarily involves listening to the voice of Jesus, who resides within the depths of our hearts. Unlike forcing ourselves to hear Him, His voice is reserved. Regardless of our daily activities, let us never fail to listen to the voice of the Lord in our hearts. In our restless and noisy world, the loving voice of God is easily drowned out. Therefore, let us dedicate a specific period of time each day for active listening to God, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Spending 10 minutes every day exclusively on Jesus can transform our lives from the very foundation. (Show Me The Way, pg. 9)