It’s Ash Wednesday. For Christians, it signifies the beginning of Lent, the 40 days before Easter. Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. (See: Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13.)

This season ends with Maundy Thursday {fde lost supper with Jesus , Good Friday {when Jesus was crucified), Holy Saturday {when Jesus’ body la/d in fhe tomb), and Resurrection Sunday {the day Jesus rose triumphantly)!

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the three MOST earth-shattering events in all of history. It is these transformative events, that make us who we are. They are the foundation of the Christian faith.

It’s so easy for us to get caught up in the drama and overall busy-ness of our own lives. If we’re not being pulled in every direction, our minds tend to wander into an oblivion of nothingness and distractions (YouTube, onyone */ and the minutes and hours just float away.

In comes Lent.

Usually Lent is a time where you decide to either 1) commit to additional devotional time through scripture or serving in the community or 2) sacrifice something as form of self-denial. Things like chocolate, soda, television, or vices. Some even give up…wait for it… social media for an entire 40 days! :insert gasp here:

Whatever method you choose, Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, and repentance.

The point is to re-focus our persona I agendas to deepen our relationshi p with Jesus th rough the Word of God.

How? Two words: undivided attention. In both relationships and friendships, the best way to get to know someone better is to spend time with them. It’s in the “alone time” that love, whether romantic or not, is nurtured.

People who focus on meaningful quality time tend to enjoy relationships that thrive on genuine interests and commonalities rather than the chaos and struggles that come along with lack of communication. And this is where Jesus is calling you and me. To a place of intimacy with Him.

As you learn to maneuver daily through the ebb and flow of life, you must rely on the power and strength that comes from the Holy Spirit. This stems from an intimate relationship with the One who has proven to love you (with all of your quirks and flaws) more than life itself.

Jesus is the ultimate example of the incredible importance of “alone time” with God. Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness with one, steadfast determination: to take on the burden of humanity just to save us. Lent allows us to see grace in all of its selfless beauty.

Sta rt today.

And for the next 40 days, make time for some extra “alone time” with God and tap into the transforming power of Jesus. During this time of devotion, God will reveal direction, ignite passion, and unveil His purpose in your life.

We don’t have to go to the wilderness to be empowered or to hear from God, but by all means find a quiet place be it your bedroom, a park, a bench near a lake, wherever you can find, and get alone with God. He wants to speak to you and me. We just have to make Him a priority.