What Is Lent? Why I Participate and What I’m Doing Differently This Year

Lent begins on Wednesday, and every year around this time, I find myself thinking about the same question.

Am I going to participate?

I didn’t grow up in a church that made a big deal out of Lent. I knew some friends who gave up chocolate or soda, and I mostly thought, “Well, that sounds hard.” Lol.

But over the years, I’ve participated off and on. And what I’ve learned is this.

Lent isn’t about punishment. It isn’t about proving something to God. And it definitely isn’t about spiritual competition.

It’s about awareness.

What Is Lent?

After hearing about Lent for years, I decided to research, What Is Lent? Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter, not counting Sundays. It reflects the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and praying before He began His public ministry.

Scripture tells us:

Matthew 4:1–2 (NIV)

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”

That time in the wilderness was preparation. Quiet. Testing. Dependence.

Traditionally, Lent is a season of prayer, reflection, repentance, and sometimes fasting. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on the Saturday before Easter.

Some denominations emphasize it more than others, and many do not focus on it as much.

But here is what matters most.

You do not have to belong to a specific church to participate.

If you are Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Methodist, non-denominational, or simply someone who loves Jesus and wants to be more intentional, you can observe Lent.

Or you can choose not to.

There is freedom in that.

Why I Have Participated

If I am honest, I usually feel drawn to Lent when life starts feeling crowded.

Too much noise.
Too much scrolling.
Too much reacting.
Too little stillness.

Lent gives me a reason to pause and ask, what has quietly taken up too much space?

And that question alone is powerful.

James 4:8 (NIV) says:

“⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

That promise is simple. If we move toward Him, He meets us there.

Lent is one intentional way to move closer.

What I’ve Given Up in the Past

This year feels different.

Instead of giving something up, I am adding something in.

I ordered the Write the Word® Psalms Boxed Set, and I am honestly looking forward to it. A sweet follower sent me my very first Write the Word journal a while back, and I loved how simple it was. You write out Scripture by hand each day, and the opposite page is for writing what’s “On My Heart Today.” That is it. No complicated plan. No pressure. Just you, a pen, and God’s Word.

After using that first journal, I searched online until I found the source and ordered the Psalms boxed set for myself.

There is something about physically writing Scripture that slows your mind down. You cannot rush it. You cannot skim it. You have to sit with it.

And if I am honest, slowing down is probably what I need most right now.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) says:

“¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God.”

That verse feels especially fitting this year.

Instead of removing something, I am creating space intentionally. A few quiet minutes each day in the Psalms. Words of praise. Words of honesty. Words that remind me who God is when life feels loud.

That feels like the right kind of focus for this season.

What I’m Doing This Year Instead

This year feels different.

Instead of giving something up, I am adding something in.

I ordered the Write the Word® Psalms Boxed Set, and I am honestly looking forward to it. A sweet follower sent me my very first Write the Word journal a while back, and I loved how simple it was. You write out Scripture by hand each day, and a separate page for writing whats On My Heart Today. That is it. No complicated plan. No pressure. Just you, a pen, and God’s Word.

After using that first journal, I searched online until I found the source and ordered the Psalms boxed set for myself.

There is something about physically writing Scripture that slows your mind down. You cannot rush it. You cannot skim it. You have to sit with it.

And if I am honest, slowing down is probably what I need most right now.

So this year, instead of removing something, I am creating space intentionally. A few quiet minutes each day in the Psalms. Words of praise. Words of honesty. Words that remind me who God is when life feels loud.

That feels like the right kind of focus for this season.

Do You Have to Give Something Up?

No.

Some people give something up. Some people add something meaningful. Some people do both.

The point is not suffering. The point is focus.

If your heart feels rushed, distracted, or spiritually dry, Lent can be a gentle reset.

If you are walking closely with the Lord and do not feel led to add structure, that is okay, too.

This is not about earning grace. You already have that.

What If You Mess Up?

You will.

I have.

You forget. You slip. You rationalize.

Lent is not a 40-day perfection challenge. It is a heart posture.

If you miss a day, you do not quit. You just begin again.

That alone is a beautiful picture of grace.

A Gentle Invitation

Before Wednesday arrives, ask yourself one honest question.

What do I reach for first when I am bored, stressed, or tired?

Sometimes the answer makes me laugh. Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable. But it always tells the truth.

That might be the very thing to lay down. Or it might be the area where you choose to add something meaningful.

Forty intentional days can change more than we think.

And if you are planning to participate this year, I would truly love to know what you are considering. Sometimes saying it out loud makes it real.

To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With a Prayer

Lord,
As this season begins, help us to pay attention. Show us what has quietly taken too much of our focus. Give us the courage to lay it down, not out of obligation, but out of love for You.

Create space in our hearts for stillness, gratitude, and growth. And when we stumble, remind us that Your grace is steady and constant.

Prepare us for Easter, not just as a celebration, but as a renewal of hope.

Amen.