Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional – A Personal Reflection
As I flipped through the pages of Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp, it struck me how the Lenten season often gets overshadowed by the celebration of Christmas. Yet, in this beautiful devotional, Tripp invites us to embrace the deeper meanings of Lent—drawing us closer to Jesus as we reflect on our sins and the path He walked for our redemption. It felt as if I were being handed an opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly journey alongside Jesus, and I couldn’t help but feel intrigued.
Tripp’s 40 devotions are like a breath of fresh air, focusing on the everyday struggles we all face—pride, anger, and selfishness—with a tender yet sobering perspective. What sets this devotional apart for me is Tripp’s personal touch; he shares experiences from his life and family that ground abstract concepts of sin in practical, relatable terms. This relatable storytelling makes each devotion feel not only like a lesson learned but like a conversation with a wise friend who genuinely cares about your spiritual journey.
Each devotion begins with a concise summary, setting the stage for the reflection to follow, and ends with three pointed questions that challenge you to dig deeper. I appreciated this format immensely; it serves as an introduction to the Biblical text rather than a replacement, reminding me that the Scriptures remain the heart of our spiritual growth. The brevity of each piece—under five pages—ensures that Tripp doesn’t waste a word. He goes straight to the heart of the matter with clarity and urgency, encouraging readers that following Jesus requires commitment and the abundant grace that He offers.
One particularly poignant moment came during the section on fasting and personal sacrifice. Tripp poignantly urges readers to examine their idols and put them to death. This resonated deeply with me, as I often find myself wrestling with distractions that pull me away from my faith. His reminder that “getting more of Jesus is always worth it” is one that has lingered in my mind long after putting the book down.
With Easter approaching, I often find myself grappling with a sense of hollowness after the joyful celebrations of Christmas. Yet, by the end of these 40 days, I felt a renewed sense of joy stirring within me—a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus. Tripp’s insights on the Lenten season guide us low with Jesus, ultimately lifting our hearts in worship as we anticipate the resurrection.
Journey to the Cross is a fitting read for anyone seeking not only to deepen their relationship with Jesus but to also reflect earnestly on their spiritual life. Whether you are seasoned in faith or just beginning to explore it, Tripp’s heartfelt guidance will resonate with you. This devotional has certainly impacted my journey, reminding me of the beauty and grace found in approaching the cross.
As I close this reflection, I invite you to embrace the Lenten season with this transformative guide in hand. It may just change the way you approach Easter, deepening your faith and broadening your understanding of the sacrificial love carried out for us on the cross. Happy reading!
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