As the season of Lent unfolds, many of us find ourselves stepping into a rhythm of intentional quietness and contemplation. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is traditionally a time of fasting, prayer, and penance. The season is modeled after Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). But at its heart, Lent is also a sacred opportunity for self-reflection, a chance to pause, examine our lives, and realign our hearts with God’s will and His love.
Self-Reflection During Lent
As the season of Lent begins, we’re called to slow down. For 40 days, we’re called to focus inwardly and examine our hearts while seated at the Lord’s feet. But what does self-reflection mean in the context of Lent, and how can we embrace it fully?
What is Self-Reflection?
Self-Reflection is the practice of looking inward and honestly assessing our thoughts, actions, and motives. It’s not about self-criticism, wallowing in shame, dwelling on guilt, or chasing perfection. It’s about seeking clarity and growth. Self-reflection is all about understanding who we are in light of who God calls us to be.
During Lent, this process takes on a spiritual dimension as we invite God into the conversation, asking Him to illuminate areas of our hearts where we’ve strayed and to guide us toward renewal. Self-reflection becomes a spiritual discipline we can develop. We’re called to combine introspection with prayer, reading the Scriptures, and depending on God’s grace.
The Bible encourages this kind of introspection. In Lamentations 3:40-41 NKJV, we read, “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord; let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” This verse captures the essence of self-reflection: it’s an active, purposeful examination that leads us back to God. We are not to judge ourselves harshly but see where we’ve drifted and where God’s light can bring healing.
Lent provides the perfect framework for this, offering a season to slow down and listen to what God might be speaking into our lives. Self-reflection is a gift—a chance to pause the rush of life and listen to the Lord.
Why Self-Reflection Matters
In our fast-paced, screen-filled lives, self-reflection can feel foreign and uncomfortable. We’re conditioned to keep moving and to avoid silence. But Lent interrupts that rhythm. It’s a countercultural call to stop and consider: Where am I with God? Am I living out the faith I profess?
Self-reflection during Lent also prepares us for Easter. The cross and the resurrection are the climax of God’s redemptive story. This means more when we’ve wrestled with our own need for the redemption He offers. Romans 3:23-24 NKJV reminds us, “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus…”
Reflecting on our shortcomings isn’t meant to crush us—it’s meant to lift our eyes to the One who saves.
Why Lent Calls Us to Reflect
Lent mirrors Jesus’ time of solitude and testing in the wilderness. Scripture tells us, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Before His public ministry began, Jesus withdrew to prepare His heart and spirit. Similarly, Lent invites us to step away from the noise of daily life—to fast from distractions, whether food, habits, or busyness—and to reflect on our dependence on God.
This season reminds us of our human frailty and God’s infinite grace. Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV offers a beautiful prayer for this process: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Self-reflection during Lent isn’t just about identifying and focusing on flaws; it’s about opening ourselves to God’s transformative love.
How to Practice Self-Reflection During Lent-inspired
1. Set Aside Time for Silence
In a world that’s always “on,” silence can feel uncomfortable—but it’s powerful. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). Use Lent to carve out moments of stillness, asking God to reveal what’s in your heart.
2. Examine Your Life with Scripture
The Bible is a mirror for our souls. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” We can reflect on passages like the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) or the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23) to measure our lives against God’s standards.
3. Repent and Realign
Self-reflection often uncovers areas of sin or drift. That’s not a cause for despair but an invitation to return and receive forgiveness. As 1 John 1:9 NKJV assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Lent is a season to repent, realign our lives with the Lord, and trust in His mercy.
4. Seek Community
While reflection is personal, it doesn’t have to be solitary. Share your journey with a trusted friend or join a Lenten study group. James 5:16 NKJV says, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” As you reflect, others can offer perspective, support, prayers, and encouragement.
The Fruit of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection during Lent isn’t an end in itself—it’s a means to transformation. It strips away illusions, revealing our need for God and His power to change us.
Ultimately, Lent prepares us for Easter. The joy of Christ's resurrection hits deeper when we’ve spent 40 days reflecting on our sin and God’s grace. We celebrate not as spectators but as participants in the story of redemption. Self-reflection is a step toward Christ, and He meets us every time.
An Invitation
So, as you journey through Lent this year, take time to pause. Ask yourself: Where have I wandered? Where is God calling me closer? Let the words of James 4:8a encourage you: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”
As you walk through Lent, embrace self-reflection as a holy habit. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Ask God to search your heart, to show you where He’s working, and to draw you closer to Him. Self-reflection isn’t just a discipline—it’s a doorway to intimacy with the One who knows and loves us fully.
God bless,
Can you take self-reflection too far? Find out by reading: Lent's Lesson: Self-Examination or Navel-Gazing?
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