A Call to Renewal This Lenten Season
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1
In this day and age, it is far too easy to settle into a comfortable, routine form of Christianity. Even after years of faithful commitment, we can quietly drift into a safe and familiar pattern of faith, one where our hearts are no longer panting for God “as the deer pants for streams of water” (Psalm 42:1). We may find that we are not thirsting and yearning for Him “in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). Over time, our hearts can grow dull, and our spiritual vision can become blurred. When this happens, what we need most is for God’s Spirit to breathe upon us again to renew, restore, and awaken us.
Many of us may be walking through a spiritually dry season. If so, let us recognize it honestly and allow it to stir within us a deeper thirst for the living God, the only One who can truly satisfy our souls. Just as cold water refreshes us when we are dry to the bone, so the river of God’s living water refreshes us when we turn back to Him.
As we have entered the holy season of Great Lent (February 15 – April 5), we are given a precious opportunity for renewal. For these 50 days, we should commit ourselves to draw closer to God by setting aside certain daily comforts and focusing more intentionally on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, repentance, and meditation on Scripture.
This is a season to remove whatever prevents us from spiritually thriving. A season to realign our hearts with God’s will. A season to rediscover deeper meaning and purpose in our lives.
May this be a time when our thirst for God is rekindled, our hearts are softened, and our faith is strengthened.
May our gracious Lord bless us, renew us, and draw us ever closer to Himself throughout this holy season.
With love and prayers,
Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel
Vicar, Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, CT