Devotion: Lent, repent

Sermon Date: 2/13/ 2025

Bible Verses: Isaiah 6:1-5, Psalm 51:10-19

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

A Season of Reflection and Renewal

Lent officially starts March 5^th This year.

Lent is a time of self-examination, repentance, and drawing closer to God. It is a season where we intentionally reflect on God’s holiness and our need for His cleansing. As we journey toward the cross, we are reminded that holiness is not simply about avoiding sin—it is about being set apart for God, fully devoted to Him.

When the prophet Isaiah encountered God’s holiness, he was immediately aware of his own sinfulness:
"Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts" (Isaiah 6:5).
Isaiah saw his own impurity in the light of God’s perfect holiness. This moment of conviction led to his cleansing and his calling.

Like Isaiah, we are called to recognize the areas in our lives that do not reflect God's holiness. Lent is a season where we actively give up sin—not just in outward actions but in the hidden places of our hearts.

Repentance and Transformation

Psalm 51 is a prayer of deep repentance. David, after being confronted with his sin, cries out for God’s mercy and cleansing:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

True repentance is not just feeling guilty—it is about turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a longing to be made new, to have a pure heart and a steadfast spirit.

Lent is a time to ask:

• What sins have taken hold in my life?
• What habits or attitudes keep me from fully surrendering to God?
• Am I seeking God’s holiness in my daily actions, words, and thoughts?

As we fast or give up certain things during Lent, let us also give up sin—not just for a season, but as an act of lifelong transformation.

The Joy of Holiness

Sometimes, holiness is seen as a burden, as if God is simply demanding perfection from us. But the truth is, holiness brings joy. Psalm 51 does not end in sorrow—it ends in rejoicing:
"Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. … My tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness" (Psalm 51:13-14).

Holiness is not about loss—it is about gaining more of God. When we give up sin, we are freed to experience the fullness of His presence. We no longer carry guilt and shame, but we walk in the joy of knowing we are set apart for Him.