For years I have not bothered about Lent, but this year is different. I got some resources to help set my heart and wait in anticipation to Easter.

This morning, I read Dietrich Bonhoeffer book on lent, “God is on the Cross”, where he points out the importance of meditation upon God’s word. He points out that meditation is not just to trying “to think and pray in words, but that silent thinking and praying that comes from listening can often be more beneficial”. How could he find the time and point to this kind of spiritual exercise living under Nazi Germany? Listening does not come easy, and for those of us who speak a lot, the importance of listening to God and others is crucial. Then he pointed to this verse “… And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51 ESV) This is Jesus’ mother! What does it mean to treasure up God’s voice in my hears? This unsettled me because I know that there is much more listening to be done, and there is much more of God’s presence to be experienced.
Bonhoeffer finishes by reminding me that “to be silent does not mean to be inactive; rather, it means to breathe in the will of God, to listen attentively and be ready to obey”. What if I breathe, treasure and obey … “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:15–16 ESV)

Be Blessed.