At the start of the year I whispered a prayer: “God, I want to press on to take hold of that for which You took hold of me.” My ‘word for 2023’ was not a word but a phrase—”press on”

I didn’t want 2023 to pass by in a blur of busyness or the lull of laziness. I longed for each day to be marked by a holy pursuit of God so I grow to be more like Jesus. But allow me to let you in on something: with a quarter of 2023 down, I don’t believe I have begun to press on. Instead, I have found myself hitting the breaks or pulling into reverse.

The enemy has insidiously stolen my passion and weakened my pursuit of God. But let me not pull an Eve and pass the buck here: there is no question that I have mindlessly participated in his games, compromising on my purpose and losing ground.

But even though one quarter of the year is done and dusted, I was reminded that three quarters lay ahead. And I love that the next three quarters of the year begins with the Holy Week. Perhaps it is a coincidence. I think of it more as divine providence.

I believe that God is giving me—and you—the opportunity to hit reset. And the best way we can begin this is by consecrating ourselves to Him starting with this momentous time in history—Passion week.

Observing Holy Week is not mandated in Scripture. As I was reminded via a Desiring God article: “Celebrating Holy Week is not an obligation, but it is an opportunity.” I would love to take this opportunity to realign to my Word for 2023, but also reassign myself to run the race that He has marked for me.

But God reminded me of one central truth: I cannot, absolutely CANNOT, do this on my own. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.

So, friend, as we begin Holy Week as well as the next season of this year, may we take the time to pause and ponder, to repent and be restored, to savor and to surrender.

Pause and ponder

May this week not just pass us by. May we be intentional about carving out time to be still in God’s presence and meditate on His Word, especially His journey toward the Cross from Palm Sunday to Good Friday and then to Resurrection Day. Here’s one thing I know for certain: Time spent with the Lord is never wasted.

Repent and be restored

As we spend time in God’s presence, He gives us the gift of repentance. When the Holy Spirit brings conviction may we not cover it up with self-righteousness or pretense. May we use this time to come before God with a broken spirit and contrite heart. Friend, it is not easy to acknowledge our sinfulness and frailty. The enemy tries to keep us trapped in shame. But there is no safer place to confess our sin than to the Lord who wipes the slate clean. May we come to that place of freedom before Him in the coming week. May we allow Him to restore us to the fullness He has in store for us.

Savor and surrender

There is nothing sweeter than simply enjoying Jesus. There is nothing more satisfying than eating of the Bread of Life and drinking from the Living Water. This week, remind yourself that you don’t “have to” come before the Throne of Grace but that you “get to” because Jesus made it possible. His love compels us and draws us into His presence. Get on your knees, open the Word, speak His name, sing His praises. And may the sweetness of your time with Him lead you to a place of surrender.

Friend, as we approach Holy Week and as we venture into the next three quarters of the year, I need to humble myself before Him and hit reset. I pray that as we stand in the shadow of the Cross we will be transformed by the resurrection power that is at work within us.

It is time to press on.

 

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