Forty Days of Faithfulness: A Lenten Journey of Reflection and Renewal: Day 7 – A Lenten Journey of Self-Examination

​As we enter Day 7 of our Forty Days of Faithfulness: A Lenten Journey of Reflection and Renewal devotional, we turn inward, embracing the theme of self-examination. Today's scripture, Lamentations 3:40, urges us: "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord." This poignant call to introspection is a vital part of our spiritual journey, especially during Lent, as we seek to draw nearer to God and align our lives with His will.
 
The Practice of Self-Examination
Self-examination is a practice that allows us to assess our spiritual state, identify areas where we fall short, and make conscious efforts to improve. It's a time to reflect on our thoughts, words, and actions, and to consider how they align with the teachings of Christ. This process is not about self-condemnation but about growth and transformation through God's grace.
 
In the quiet moments of reflection, we are invited to look deeply into our hearts and ask ourselves challenging questions. Are we living out the love and compassion that Jesus modeled? Are our lives marked by the fruits of the Spirit? How can we turn away from our transgressions and return to the path that leads to life?
 
Deepening Our Self-Examination
Self-examination is a spiritual discipline that requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to change. As we reflect on Lamentations 3:40, we are reminded that this process is not a one-time event but a continual practice that can lead to profound spiritual renewal.
 
1. Honest Assessment: Begin by asking God to reveal the truth of your heart and life. Reflect on the past day, week, or year, and consider the times you've felt distant from God. What habits or behaviors might be contributing to that distance?
 
2. Acknowledging Shortcomings: Recognize and admit your faults and sins. This step is crucial in self-examination, as it allows us to see where we need God's forgiveness and grace. It's not about dwelling on our failures but about moving forward with a repentant heart.
 
3. Seeking Forgiveness: Once we've identified our shortcomings, we approach God's throne of grace to ask for forgiveness. This act of contrition is a powerful way to cleanse our spirit and start anew.
 
4. Making Amends: If our actions have hurt others, self-examination leads us to seek reconciliation. This might involve apologizing to someone we've wronged or finding ways to make restitution.
 
5. Setting Intentions: After reflecting on our spiritual state, we set intentions for how we want to live moving forward. What changes do we need to make to align more closely with God's will? How can we embody the love and compassion of Christ in our daily lives?
 
6. Prayer for Guidance: We conclude our self-examination with a prayer for guidance. Ask God to show you the way to live a life that honors Him. Pray for the strength to overcome temptations and the wisdom to make choices that reflect your faith.
 
Embracing the Call to Return to the Lord
The call to return to the Lord is a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, God's arms are always open to welcome us back. It is a call to repentance, to turn away from sin and toward the light of God's love. As we engage in self-examination, we are encouraged to embrace the discipline of self-examination as a pathway to spiritual growth and a closer walk with God.
 
This Lenten season, let us commit to a daily practice of self-examination. Let us be honest with ourselves about our shortcomings and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. Let us also extend that same grace to others, recognizing that we are all on this journey together.
 
Prayer Focus: Assessing Our Spiritual State
Our prayer focus for today is on assessing our spiritual state. As we pray, let us ask God to reveal to us the areas where we need His healing touch and guidance. Let us pray for the courage to face ourselves with honesty and the strength to make the necessary changes in our lives.
 
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the stillness of our hearts, we come before You with a desire to know ourselves as You know us. Shine Your light on the hidden corners of our souls, revealing areas that need Your touch. Grant us the courage to face our imperfections and the grace to grow from them. May our self-examination lead to a deeper relationship with You and a life that gloriously reflects Your love. Amen.

Should you wish to receive our daily email reminders and you're not yet on the list, simply click here to sign up. I'll take care of sending you a warm morning reminder straight to your inbox every day.