“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
As we step into the holy season of Lent, we often think of it as a time of giving things up—chocolate, coffee, social media, or other comforts. But what if this Lent, instead of only letting go of things, we also chose to open up—to grace, to healing, to the presence of Christ in a deeper way?
Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 is one of radical grace. He doesn’t demand perfection or endless striving. Instead, He offers rest, renewal, and a new way of living—one shaped by the “unforced rhythms of grace.”
This Lent, rather than simply taking on more spiritual disciplines or trying harder, what if we learned to lean into grace, surrendering more and more of ourselves to the gentle leading of Christ?
For the next 40 days, we have an opportunity to open deeper parts of ourselves to God’s love. Perhaps that means letting go of self-criticism and embracing the truth that we are deeply loved. Maybe it means releasing control and trusting in God’s provision. It could mean slowing down, making space for prayer, and listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit.
Lent is not a season of earning God’s favour—it is a season of receiving what has already been given. It is a season of introspection – of reflection, examination and repentance. Let us walk with Jesus, and work with Him, watch how He does it.
By spending sacred time in His presence we will through His great love and mercy be able to unclench our fists, loosen our grip, and learn to live “freely and lightly” in the grace of Jesus. This does not mean life will be easy or without struggle, but it does mean that we do not walk alone. Christ walks with us, teaching us, guiding us, and loving us through every step of the journey.
As Galatians 2:20 reminds us, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Lent is a time to reflect on this beautiful truth—Christ lives in each of us, shaping us from the inside out. His presence transforms our hearts, renews our spirits, and empowers us to live in the fullness of His grace.
Colossians 1:27 further deepens this mystery: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The presence of Christ within us is not just a theological idea but a living reality that fills us with hope. As we walk through Lent, let us remember that the very presence of Christ dwells in us, leading us toward transformation and renewal. His grace is not distant; it is alive within us, calling us to walk in His ways and rest in His love.
Christ IN me – not just for me or with me or above me or beside me – but CHRIST IN ME!
As we begin this Lenten season, let us ask ourselves: What parts of my heart need to open to grace? What burdens am I carrying that Jesus is inviting me to lay down? How can I walk more closely with Him, learning His unforced rhythms?
May these next 40 days be a sacred journey—a time not just of letting go, but of opening up. A time of learning the deep rest that only Jesus can provide. A time of grace upon grace.
Much love
Michelle