Holding Fast in the Wilderness: A Lenten Reflection on Faith, Trust, and Heavenly Citizenship
Lent calls us to strip away distractions and realign our hearts with God. It is a season of spiritual wrestling, where we confront our weaknesses and deepen our trust in the One who calls us forward. This week’s readings—Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18, Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14, and Philippians 3:17—4:1—remind us of God’s unwavering promises, the strength we find in seeking Him, and the hope we hold as citizens of heaven.
Faith in the Promise – Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Abraham is asked to trust in something unseen—to believe God’s promise of countless descendants, even when his present reality suggests otherwise. He believes, not because he sees, but because he trusts in the faithfulness of God.
Lent invites us to that same kind of trust. We may be waiting on God, unsure of what’s ahead, wrestling with doubts or unanswered prayers. But as with Abraham, God’s promises are not dependent on our immediate circumstances. They are anchored in His faithfulness. Our role is to believe, to surrender, and to keep walking forward.
Seeking His Face in the Darkness – Psalm 27
David’s words are both a declaration and a plea: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Yet, even as he proclaims confidence, he also cries out, “Do not hide your face from me.” (Psalm 27:9).
Lent is often like this—a time of deep seeking. We long for the nearness of God but may also feel the weight of silence. Still, David shows us what to do in these moments: seek. Call out. Keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. Even when answers seem distant, we hold to the truth that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).
Standing Firm as Citizens of Heaven – Philippians 3:17—4:1
Paul warns against living as enemies of the cross—those who fix their minds on earthly things. It’s easy to become consumed by temporary comforts, to resist the refining work of Lent. But Paul redirects our focus: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20).
Lent is not about mere self-denial; it is about realignment. We fast, pray, and repent not as empty rituals but to stand firm in Christ, remembering where our true home is. As Paul urges, “Stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” (Philippians 4:1).
Lent: A Call to Trust, Seek, and Stand Firm
These passages call us to:
Trust in God’s promises, even when they seem distant.
Seek His face, especially when we feel lost.
Stand firm in Him, knowing that our true home is not here but in heaven.
Lent is not about perfection but about transformation. It is about stepping into the wilderness and allowing God to shape us. As we continue this journey, may we surrender our fears and distractions, saying, “Lord, I trust You. I will seek You. I will stand firm in You.”
And as we wait on the Lord, we take heart in this promise:
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14)
Looking Ahead: The Cross and the Empty Tomb
The beauty of Lent is that it does not end in the wilderness. It leads us to the cross—but beyond the cross, to the empty tomb. The struggles we face, the refining work God does in us, the sacrifices we make, and the prayers we offer are not in vain. They are part of the preparation for resurrection life.
Jesus endured the cross not for the sake of suffering, but for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), And that joy is our joy, too—the promise of renewal, redemption, and a life forever with Him. So, as we continue through Lent, let us not grow weary. The journey may feel long, but Easter is coming.
Let us walk forward with faith, seek God with persistence, and stand firm in His truth. Because in the end, Lent is not just about what we give up—it is about what we gain: a heart more fully surrendered, a faith more deeply rooted, and a life more in tune with the One who loves us beyond measure.
Keep pressing on, dear friends. The best is yet to come.
