Why it’s good to give up something and good to take up talking to God
AS I write this article, it’s 12 days since Russia started to invade Ukraine.
It’s an incredibly sad and difficult time. Over the last 12 days I’ve seen people cry for Ukraine, be angry at Russia and be motivated to want to help in whatever way they can.
It’s incredible to see people coming together to try to help others who are suffering in unimaginable ways.
While this has been happening, Christians across the world have entered the season of Lent – a time leading up to Easter where we remember the suffering of Jesus on the cross.
During the season of Lent, many people choose to give something up, or take something up, to have an amount of discipline and self-denial as we remember what Jesus did on the cross.
We can use the time to help us look afresh at the life of Jesus.
The context of the Bible story is when Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. During that time, the Devil tempted Him three times.
Jesus was fasting, so firstly the Devil encouraged Him to turn the stones into bread. Secondly, the Devil showed Him the highest point in the city and said that Jesus could just jump off it as the angels would save Him, and, thirdly, he showed Jesus all the kingdoms from a high mountain and said if Jesus worshipped him then all the kingdoms would be His.
At each of these three temptations, Jesus remained true to what He believed and knew to be true, and in the face of temptation He denied it.
There are many different temptations that we face in life. It might be that we really enjoy the office chat, but do we stop when it turns into talking about someone else?
It might be that we really enjoy going out for a drink, and we know if we drink too much then we do things that we regret, but do we stop?
I’ve given up crisps for Lent. I’m a massive crisp fan, but I’ve recently noticed that rather than having one packet with lunch, I’ve been having two. And then when I’m hungry in the afternoon I’m having a third. In giving up crisps, I’m trying to restore an element of self-control in my life which I feel I’ve lost recently.
Lent is also a really good time to spend some time praying, and I’m praying for the people of Ukraine. Sometimes I don’t know what to pray for, but I know that God is a loving and compassionate God who cares deeply for His world and the people in it.
Have you tried praying before? Prayer is just a fancy word for talking to God, and we can do this whenever we like. God is always ready to listen and loves it when we talk to him. For help with praying, contact your local church or visit: