Fast 40: Practicing the Ancient Spiritual Discipline of LentSample

The Scripture commands us: “Be strong in the Lord,” and perhaps that is the key to all true strength. The world tells us to be strong in ourselves—to be self-made and self-sufficient. It relies on social status, race, gender, intellect, street-smarts, physique, achievement, and psychology for strength. But God looks at that strength and sees only weakness.

Jesus rebuked the Laodicean church for its self-reliance: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). No Christian is above criticism, and no Christian is without fault. True humility prays, “Search me, O God, and see if there is any wicked way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Are we relying on the natural for strength? The world chases expensive clothing, cars, homes, and influence, but we need something greater: a total and utter dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. As the poet George Herbert wrote, we need “a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.”