Lenten Meditation: March 20, 2024
Daily Scripture Passage: Exodus 7:8-24
Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. — Exodus 7:13
Surely, in these modern times, God does not send plagues any more, right? Sometimes it feels that way. Global pandemic, unprecedented storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures can make us wonder if these are modern divine retributions. Our polarized political discourse feels like our social fabric is shredding, threatening to send us into chaos.
Personally, I do not believe God is following us around with a clipboard, punishing us when we stray. No matter your opinion on God’s role in our current times, perhaps we can all agree that life is hard. And life is scary. So much of what’s happening in the world today seems beyond our control. We live in a time the likes of which mankind has never seen.
That may not be as bad as it sounds. When we do not have control, that is the best time to turn to God. With so much beyond our control, we can choose to ask God to help us.
In the Haitian Creole bible, the translation for repent is ‘tounen vin jwenn Bondye,’ which literally means ‘turn, come find God.’
Scary and uncertain times can soften our own hearts that have hardened through anxiety and fear, so that God can enter. Seeking divine help allows us to tap into a power greater than ourselves. God has inscribed you on the palm of his hands (Isaiah 49:16).
Lent is a fine time to turn and come find God. We do not have to wait until the rivers turn to blood.