Preparing For Easter When Life Is Busy

As Easter approaches, it can be easy to get caught up in midterms, papers, and the end of the semester. Nevertheless, it is important, even during late study nights, debate tournaments, and mounds of homework, to prepare your heart for the coming celebration.

Christian traditions recognize the importance of carefully observing the events leading up to Easter; often referred to as Holy Week. To feel the weight of Christ’s death and resurrection, it is important to cultivate an attitude of humility, penitence, and gratitude. Especially in the busyness, try implementing these reminders into your daily routine to help you feel the magnitude of the sacrifice that was made for you.

Fasting

Fasting is an important spiritual discipline expressed in Scripture. Not only did Jesus fast for 40 days in the desert before facing temptation, but the disciples were expected to fast after Jesus returned to heaven (John 4; Matthew 9:14-15). Consider observing Lent, a 40-day period of fasting that lasts from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, Sundays excluded.

Keeping a fast, especially from food, weakens the body and helps Christians feel the need for a Savior. When Christians practice fasting from legitimate needs, they are reminded to refocus on their true Need.

Meditating on God's Word

The book of Psalms begins with a description of a wise man: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). Meditating on Scripture can take many forms. Perhaps it means that you spend time reading a chapter of the Bible in the morning, or memorize a few verses to reflect on in quieter moments throughout the day, or listen to a couple of hymns that put a melody to God’s word.

No matter how busy you might be, intentionally spend time contemplating the words God’s given you through Scripture.

Praying Throughout the Day

During the hours leading up to His death, Jesus knelt in the garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with accepting the will of the Father. Spend time in communion with the Father, confessing your sins, asking for forgiveness, and expressing gratitude for what He has done. Practice letting your thoughts point heavenward, no matter what your hands are doing. Pray while writing essays, talking with friends, or doing the dishes.

As you prepare for Easter, don’t let your relationship with God fall by the wayside. Waiting until you're “not busy” is a trap from the enemy. Life only flies faster and faster.

Starting Now

In Learning in Wartime, C.S. Lewis cautioned his listeners against waiting to learn until World War II had ceased. “Human culture has always had to exist under the shadow of something infinitely more important than itself,” he wrote. “If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure, the search would never have begun.”

Don’t wait until you’re not busy. Don’t even think for too long about how best to prepare. Just begin.