Lent is a season of fasting and contemplation for many Christians. If you are a youth and wondering what personal reflections you can do, our youth writer Joey Kuan has you covered with these five verses.
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Lent is the 40-day (Monday through Saturday, not counting Sunday) period leading up to Easter weekend, a time when Christians reflect on the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion, just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4). During Lent, which begins next week on 22 February, it is important for believers to pick up their Bibles and reflect on what it means to be a true follower of Christ.
As a youth or a new believer, the concept of Lent may be one that we don’t fully understand. But as we spend time praying and meditating on the Word of God, we are preparing our hearts to draw closer to God and appreciate what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
Here are five Bible verses and practices that youths of every age can meditate on for this season of reflection and revelation.
1. Prioritising God
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
First things first, it’s important for us to get our priorities right. This verse may seem basic but in trying times, we sometimes find it difficult to prioritise God over our troubles. Our tithes and offerings may seem to be too heavy in the offering envelope, and we are reluctant to miss out on that friend gathering and attend cell group meeting instead.
However, the truth is that when we place God first in our lives, and when we prioritise our relationship with Him over earthly relationships, we will always reap a plentiful harvest of our sowing. In other words, a heavenly relationship with the Father is infinitely more valuable than anything else on Earth.
As you meditate on this verse, commit yourself to the Lord again and make a decision to put Him first.
2. Remember Jesus has conquered all our struggles
“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
John 16:33 (MSG)
As youths in today’s broken world, we face many challenges, such as relationship breakdowns, struggles at school, even in our relationship with God. But the Bible reminds us that God has conquered the entire world, and we can be reassured that no matter what difficulties we go through, we will be more than conquerors in Christ!
As you meditate on this verse, invite Jesus into your struggles and ask Him to help you be that conqueror He created you to be.
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3. Our future is in God’s hands
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
Even when we can’t see light at the end of the tunnel, even when our situation seems hopeless and we feel that God isn’t answering our prayers, this verse reminds us that the Lord’s plans and His will for our lives will always be for our good.
All we have to do is to trust in Him, that He will see us through every triumph and every failure, His will is always the best for our life!
If you’re stuck at a crossroads or you feel that your future is bleak, let this verse remind you that God is still in control.
4. God is the strength of our hearts
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Isaiah 40:31 tells us that when we feel weak, or abandoned, as long as we keep our hope in God, He will give us renewed strength. We will have the strength to push through our struggles and walk in triumph.
As you meditate over this verse, remember that hope in God is a fountain of life that we can draw from. Alone, we can’t, but in God, we can do all things!
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5. Repent from our sins
“But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.”
Ezekiel 18:21 (NIV)
Youths these days are faced with pressure to conform to earthly standards and culture. This culture causes us to sin and pushes us away from God!
But the Bible reassures us that because Jesus died on the cross for our sins, as we repent of our wrongdoings and turn our ways towards Him, we shall have everlasting life in Him.
During this season of Lent leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, as youths, let us not conform to the ways of this world, but instead align ourselves with what the Bible says is right.
Only when we are aligned with God, can we start to see a new wave of revival in our generation!
