Drawing Closer to Jesus: My First Lent Experience

The day I am writing this is Wednesday, February 18, and it is Ash Wednesday—the start of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter weekend.

Growing up, I never really participated in Lent—at least not that I remember. I mostly associated it with my Catholic friends who would give something up for 40 days, usually desserts or soda, and who wouldn’t eat meat on Fridays. I remember lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, and cheese pizza. That was about the extent of my understanding.

But this year, as I spent time learning more about Lent, I began to truly understand its significance—and I gained a deep respect for those who have practiced it faithfully over the years. At its core, Lent is about one thing: drawing closer to Jesus as Easter approaches.

For anyone who may only be familiar with a more secular version of Easter, Easter weekend in the Christian faith begins on Good Friday, the day Jesus died on the cross. Sunday represents the day He was no longer found in the tomb—raised back to life under His own power. The crucifixion and resurrection are the cornerstone of our faith. Without them, our faith would mean nothing.

If there is ever a time to reflect, realign, and intentionally draw closer to God, it is during these 40 days.

Choosing What to Give Up for Lent

When I started asking myself what I wanted to give up—or what sacrifice might truly bring me closer to God—the answer felt obvious: social media.

Social media, for me, has become a major time suck. I often say that I use it for good—and that’s true. I’ve been inspired, encouraged, and influenced in positive ways. I also hope I’ve done the same for others. But I also know I use it as a distraction—from responsibilities, from rest, and sometimes from being fully present.

Time spent scrolling is time not spent elsewhere. And lately, I felt like God was gently nudging me to see that my time could be better used.

I was starting to feel overwhelmed. The little things were piling up—cleaning getting neglected, laundry backing up, dishes sitting longer than they should, counters not wiped down. Even simple things like going for a walk or exercising felt harder to squeeze in. I kept telling myself the same thing over and over: I don’t have enough time.

But the truth was right in front of me.

I was spending a couple of hours every day on social media. Getting even some of that time back could honestly change my life.

So today is day one—no social media.

Learning to Sit in the Quiet

Along with stepping away from social media, I’m also trying to use my phone less as a source of constant entertainment. That means not always having a TV show, podcast, or background noise playing.

This will be a challenge for me. I like having a hum in the background—SportsCenter, the Olympics, something playing while I work. But I also believe God can use quiet moments to speak to us and work in our hearts.

I want to be more intentional about letting the noise fade so I can hear Him more clearly.

A Powerful Reminder From the Book of Acts

What struck me most this morning was my Bible study. I’m currently reading through the book of Acts, and today’s reading was about Saul’s conversion to Paul.

If you’re not familiar, Saul was actively hunting down and killing people who believed in Jesus. He was determined to silence anyone spreading the Gospel. Then, in Acts 9, God intervenes—literally stops him in his tracks—and tells him to stop persecuting Him and His people.

Saul obeys. His life is completely transformed.

Paul goes on to write roughly two-thirds of the New Testament, including some of the most powerful Bible verses, lessons, and stories many of us cherish today.

What struck me was the timing. On the very first day of Lent, I was reading about a man whose life was changed because God stepped in—and because he chose obedience.

A Prayer for Obedience and Hope

That story feels incredibly fitting for today.

I want God to intervene in my life too. I want to walk in obedience the way Paul did after encountering God. And I want to be open to the ways He may be calling me to change.

If there is someone in your life who feels unreachable—someone you’ve prayed for, talked to, and worried about—don’t lose hope. If God can turn Saul’s heart around, He can turn anyone’s heart around. Keep praying. Keep believing.

And if it’s not too late for you to begin something new during these next 40 days, I encourage you to give something over to God—something that will bring you closer to Him. With a willing heart, He can do amazing things. I know lent is a week in, but it is ALWAYS the right time to draw closer to Jesus. 

Please pray for me—that I use this time well, serve my family faithfully, and become a better steward of the blessings God has given me.

I’m praying for each of you too.
May you have a meaningful Lent, and may God meet you right where you are.