A Lenten Devotion by Dianne Sefter 

 Joel 2:12.   “Yet even now,” says the Lord, “Turn back to Me with all of your hearts and with fasting, weeping and lamenting.  Rend your hearts, rather than your garments, and turn back to the Lord your God for He is gracious, and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and renouncing punishment.  Who knows but He may turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind for meal offering and drink offering to the Lord your God?” 

 The Lenten season begs more introspection of our spiritual state than any other church season of the year.  Instead of celebration, fasting and mourning help us concentrate on Jesus’ short life and the events leading to His impending death.  The “why’s” of what He had to suffer are made clearer, His substitutionary death on the cross for us, made more personal.   And yet, the surprise of the Resurrection, available to all, on Easter!  This poem was written last year during Lent as I read the words from Joel: 

 YET EVEN NOW 

     MERCY for another day 

        Open up my heart today- 

             To receive it 

     GRACE to bring me to Your throne 

         So I’ll never be alone- 

              I believe it 

     LOVE to conquer every sin, 

          Allowing You to work within- 

              To erase it 

     HOPE that keeps my eyes on You, 

          That goes beyond the things I do- 

               I embrace it 

     HUMBLE SERVICE let me seek- 

          Be it for the strong or weak- 

              Let me do it 

     PEACE You offer as a gift 

          Our hearts and minds Your Spirit lift 

              Us to it