The cross is a matter of life and death. We were once dead in our sins, but God made us alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). I invite you to draw near to Jesus and get comfortable being uncomfortable with the cross in this Lenten season.

The theme at Revelation Wellness for the month of April is DRAW NEAR. Just as Advent prepares our heart for the celebration of Christmas, Lent prepares our hearts for remembering the death and resurrection of King Jesus. Easter, while ultimately celebrating the reality of the resurrection, also carries the weight of the suffering of Christ on the cross.

Take a deep breath. Now exhale.

Prepare yourselves. We are about to look at Jesus on the cross and not look away. It’s going to be uncomfortable. At Revelation Wellness, we get comfortable being uncomfortable when we work out and move our bodies, but also when we “work-in” and press into truths of God’s word.

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” -James 4:8

How do we draw near to God practically?

Whether you choose to participate in Lent or not, you are certainly encouraged and invited to draw near to God during the next two and a half weeks leading up to Easter with some of these practical tips:

1. PRAY. Drawing near to God first and foremost starts with prayer. Talk to Him, tell Him what’s on your heart, confess your sins and fears. He longs to have you come to Him. Remember, He is WITH you always.

2. FAST from something you love. Pray first. Ask God, “What am I worshiping and loving more than you, Jesus?” Example: For me, I confess I consume too much sugar, understanding that it would be beneficial for me to fast from it so that I would draw near to Jesus instead of finding comfort in food. Remember, “Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.” -1 Corinthians 6:12

Should you chose to fast for Lent, it is important to check your heart and keep your eyes on Jesus, remembering that the purpose of fasting and the purpose of Lent is to draw near to the cross.

3. READ the Word. To know God is to know the Word of God. Read the Word and apply it to your everyday life. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word!

4. RESPOND in Worship to God. All of life is worship when you draw near to Him and give all things to Him. Worship Him through speaking truth, loving others, serving, writing, creating, cooking, music, art, the possibilities are endless!

5. BE STILL. Breathe and let God draw near to you by resting in His love. My children love to have “Momma cuddles” when they are tired, and as children of God, we are invited to rest in the everlasting love of our heavenly Father.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” -John 15:13. On the cross Jesus gave His life to save us from death and eternal separation from God, giving us the gift of eternal life. He also gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin, sending us on mission to give our lives to love others as He has loved us.

King Jesus,

Thank you for raising us from Death to Life.

Thank you for seasons changing from Winter to Spring.

Let the rains of healing and refreshment come.

Let our hearts be prepared for a super bloom of good fruit this Easter season.

May we declare the good news of the resurrection as we draw near to Christ and respond in worship with our lives.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength and our Song! To encourage you as we seek to Draw Near this month, I’ll leave you with the song, “Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer” by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Grace and Peace be with you always,

Misty

In the comments below, share how you draw near to Christ in this season. What helps you feel close to Him? What do you do when you feel far from Him?

Misty Prorak is a wife and stay-at-home mom of two kids (4 and 7 years old). She works at the Kroc Community Center in San Diego, CA where she coaches youth sports activities and youth soccer teams.  Since becoming a Revelation Wellness Instructor just last Spring, she is eager to live out the call to share the love of Christ through fitness to her neighbors in City Heights, at the Kroc Center, in her church community as well as through a Faith and Wellness Blog: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength and Song. You can follow her blog and find her on Instagram at @wait.wake.worship

Thank you for reading along on the Revelation Wellness Blog! If you’d like to learn more about fasting, watch our Livestream replay of “The 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Fasting.” You’ll learn the power of fasting as a practice to draw near to Christ.

Workout with us in this #workoutwednesday! For more workouts like this, visit RevWellTV!

ALISA’S BASIC STRENGTH – “REAL FAITH”

Nobody can train the basics enough. Especially when it comes to weight training. The rewards of putting our bodies under resistance are numerous, but the risks are real. This workout will help reinforce the healthy basics.
(ALL LEVELS) (HEBREWS 11:1; HAND WEIGHTS, EXERCISE BAND & YOGA MAT)