Lent 2026: Grace in the Eremos ~ Place for Testing and Strengthening

This sermon introduces the season of Lent and the journey we will take as a family of families through the Penitential Psalms this year. Lent is a sacred journey into the “eremos,” the wilderness place of testing, prayer, and dependence on God. Starting with Psalm 6, the first Penitential Psalm, the message explains that Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and reconciliation. Though Psalm 6 does not explicitly mention sin, it reveals David crying out under deep distress, welcoming God’s discipline but pleading that it come in steadfast love rather than wrath. His suffering is not necessarily punishment for sin but part of God’s refining work, as the message compares it to tensile testing that is intended to test strength and to show our weakness and where growth is needed.

In the same way, Lent reminds believers that trials are not signs of God’s absence but invitations to trust His presence and grace. God does not cause the brokenness of this world, yet He faithfully uses even suffering to form endurance, character, and hope.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1. What is Lent, and why is it described as a “journey into the eremos” (wilderness)?
How does this imagery shape the way we approach the season?

2. Read Psalm 6.
What emotions and experiences do you see expressed by David? What stands out most to you?

3. Psalm 6 does not explicitly mention sin.
Why do you think the Church has historically included it among the penitential psalms?

4. What is the difference between discipline as punishment and discipline as formation?
How does this change the way you view God’s discipline?

5. Why does David ask God not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in wrath?
What does this reveal about God’s character?

6. The sermon compared spiritual testing to “tensile testing.”
How can trials strengthen rather than destroy our faith?

7. Have you experienced a time when suffering drew you closer to God rather than away from Him?
What did you learn?

8. What specific practices (prayer, fasting, giving, reflection) will you commit to this Lent?
How will you intentionally enter the “eremos” with Jesus?

Join us in prayer February 14th at 6 PM and lasting to February 18th at 6 PM, leading into our Ashes to Life – Ash Wednesday observation and celebration. The prayer space will be open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, with Group Gatherings and Worship times at 9 AM, 1 PM, and 9 PM.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Mark 1:12-13
Hebrews 4:14-16
Galatians 2:20
Romans 8:18
Psalm 6
Jeremiah 10:24
James 1:2-4
Romans 5:3-4

Referenced Only
Psalms 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
1st Samuel 13:13-14
Acts 13:22