We have gone on a bit of a journey the last few weeks making space for Jesus, but if nothing else, I want you to remember these spiritual habits are for Lent and. As we go through Holy Week, there’s a certain stillness in the air; a time to reflect on all that Jesus walked through in His final days before the cross. Can you imagine being treated how He was, not just by the crowds that had shouted Alleluia at the mere sight of Him a week prior, but by His most loved and cherished friends? This week is a sacred space to pause, to look back on the journey through Lent, and to look ahead to Resurrection Sunday with hope in our hearts.

Before Jesus began His public ministry, He intentionally withdrew into the wilderness for 40 days. It was quiet, it was lonely, and yet, it was purposeful. In that space, Jesus was strengthened to resist temptation and prepared to step fully into what God had called Him to do.

In the same way, when we develop healthy spiritual habits; time in prayer, reading the Word, practicing stillness, fasting, and worship, we’re creating space for God to do the deep, transforming work in us too. These habits go beyond Lent. They are to be a part of our every day lives as disciples.

And here’s the beauty of it: as we make space for God each day, especially during Lent, these practices can begin to weave themselves into the everyday rhythm of our lives. They stop feeling like spiritual “checklists” and start becoming part of who we are. A natural flow. A way of living that slowly but surely shifts our focus and shapes our hearts.

Now I am by no means perfect. Only a week ago, we had a sick kid, a new business we launched and we burning the candles at both ends. I was barely doing my daily habits. But in that, I thanked God every day for getting through the day and for our village around us. Just as He remains faithful to us, we too must remain faithful to Him. So, after a few days of nothing, I jumped back on the wagon. Not because it was Lent, but because I felt further away from Him and it made me sad. My habits started pre Lent, they may have gotten better during Lent, but I intend for them to remain beyond Lent.

Here’s a gentle reminder as we move towards Easter: spiritual habits are tools, not trophies. They aren’t the end goal.

The goal is closeness with God.
The goal is intimacy, not performance.
The goal is a heart surrendered, not a list completed.

As Scripture reminds us, “obedience is better than sacrifice.” That means our practices should always flow from a heart that loves God, not from a place of guilt or obligation. When we fast, pray, give, or serve, it should be rooted in a desire to know Him more, not just “do the right thing.”

So as you prepare your heart for Resurrection Sunday, remember this: God isn’t expecting perfection from you. He never has. He simply invites you to come as you are, again and again. To show up, surrender, and let Him do what only He can do; bring resurrection power into every dry and weary place. (That power reminds me of a song that praises the Lord for His resurrection power – have a listen this Sunday as we sing Alleluia!)

These habits we’ve built through Lent? They aren’t just for a season. Let them carry you beyond Holy Week. Let them anchor you in the weeks and months to come. Because this journey with Jesus isn’t meant to end at the cross; it’s meant to continue daily in the power of the resurrection.