2016 Belmont University Lenten GuideSample

On a recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona, I carved out a couple of hours to hike to the top of Camelback Mountain with a couple of friends. I’ve been privileged to do the hike several times and always try to persuade others to join me. Its summit provides a magnificent view of the desert, surrounding mountains, and communities. Each time it strikes me to see the areas of lush, green grass from the golf resorts and lawns of the “well to do” homes. They are a stark contrast against the natural reddish-brown, dry desert soil that makes up a vast majority of the landscape. I remarked to my friends about the necessary time, effort and resources that it must require to maintain that beautiful, groomed grass in the desert climate: a seemingly endless effort I imagined!

The desert is unmistakably like the “dry and parched land” that David writes about in Psalm 63:1. On this occasion, as I looked out below, it occurred to me that our hearts in their natural state are every bit as “dry and parched” in our sinful nature. The great news is that our hearts have the opportunity to be like those bright green lawns and golf courses in a world that is arid and dry! Jesus has paid the price and given us the resources for that growth! It is our option to take it, or not. When others see our lives (and hearts) from different vantage points, what do they see? Is it brown, dusty and dry, or do we show the bright colors of life provided by a risen Savior?

MARK PRICE
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Athletics