Lent Devotions

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 10:31 AM PDT

Psalm 45:5-10

When we are transitioning from one phase of life to the next, it is often difficult to let go. We are fearful of letting go of one trapeze and flying through the air; the other trapeze might not be there and we might fall. This psalm reminds us that the greater is always there, but that we must give up the lesser in order to receive it. In this psalm, written as a song for a royal wedding, the bride-to-be is promised a new home of gladness, beauty, power, and companionship. In order to live there, though, she must lean forward and hear God's call. She must incline toward that light and forget the lesser, even though some of them are her own people from her own country. Surely this will require a leap of faith.

As we move through the season of Lent, we are asked to reflect on what Jesus gave up for us so that we might live in that kind of house forever. As he moved through his journey on this earth, Jesus experienced all kinds of human emotions, yet he always knew that he would ultimately return to that beautiful place. The Easter story is really about us all being invited to come and live there with him.

Making the promise to leave everything and move in with an unknown master of the house can be daunting, especially when we know that the master is powerful beyond anything we have ever seen before. This is where we must incline our ear and hear the master's words of gentleness and promise.

O Lord, on this day, please help me let go of the lesser and embrace the greater—the promise of life here and beyond. Let me live in your light as I make each transition in my life. Amen.

Christine Benner, member of Marble Collegiate