“I was wrong.” Three simple words. Each one of them is a single syllable. Nothing in any of those words makes them particularly hard to pronounce. Yet I found it paralyzingly difficult to utter them. Despite the deep awareness that something was off, I couldn’t (or didn’t want to) bring myself to utter these three simple words. Unfortunately, this was not the first or only time where stating these three words incapacitated me.

Confession is difficult. It doesn’t come easy – at least not for me. To admit I was wrong feels synonymous with accepting defeat. As a competitive person, defeat is one thing, accepting it quite another. But therein is the lie – confession is not defeat; it’s ensuring wrong is not on repeat. Confession, while difficult, is actually the path to victory. Confession is a key aspect of Lent.

 Confession causes you to admit that your biggest problem is not your history, your family, your friends, your culture, your economic situation, your church, your neighbors, your age, or your physical condition.

Paul David Tripp

Lent has mixed reviews – especially from Protestant backgrounds – but I believe the heart of Lent is not only good, it’s necessary. Lent has a storied background and varied response in practice and observance, but Paul Tripp gets to a key foundation of what Lent is all about in his article, “This Lenten Season, Place Your Pride on His Altar“. Tripp illustrates and points to the underlying beauty and rub in the observance of Lent. Let’s just say that my avoidance of confession above needs what Lent is all about.

READ THE ARTICLE

Do you practice or observe Lent? Why or why not? What have you found helpful if you do? If you are unfamiliar with Lent or have never observed Lent, I’d encourage you to join me this season to journey through Lent with this daily devotional from Through the Word. I have found it helpful in focusing my heart, being reminded to confess daily, and being encouraged to anticipate Easter and the Savior who rose that day. As always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time…

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash