Lenten Journeys: Back or Front Seat Passenger?
We’re halfway through the Lenten season, the period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. The Lectio 365 meditations refer to Lent as a bright/sad season.
It is a season that is bright as we look forward to Jesus’ resurrection, showing He kept His eternal promise to us. It reminds us we have new life here on earth, committed to Him and living in His grace. But it is also a sad season as we remember what Christ endured on the cross for us and why His sacrifice was necessary.
[Tweet ““As a season of contrasts, Lent offers the brightness of looking ahead, but the sad process to get there. How can we ponder and relate to the sad as we live through the process, looking forward to the hope of the bright?””]
Lent looks different for each of us; we observe and prepare in individual ways. Some fast or abstain from certain foods or recreational activities to remember Christ’s sacrifice. Our sacrifices may be hard because we hold on to them tightly. Though our small uncomfortable sacrifices pale in comparison to His, they serve as reminders.
Others spend more time in prayer and Bible reading to connect with God on a deeper level. We often choose themed meditations and devotionals with a Lenten focus, pointing us to our weak places and need for heart transformation.
But regardless of our approach and choices, I’ve asked myself if I’m a back seat passenger that takes in the view with familiarity-as if I’m along for the ride in what I’m reading and have been on this trip many times. Like dozing off, maybe I forget what I’ve read and seen. It’s like saying to a driver, “Right, I know that Bible verse. That was a great devotional. Glad I’m doing it again.” Or, the familiarity leads us to read quickly and skip over a potentially new insight. 
Maybe we approach our day as successful, thankful we were able to resist the sweet dessert, or got along without scrolling through social media. We settled comfortably in the back seat without much change in scenery. Sometimes backseat drivers are thankful for the rest stop and a comfortable Bible passage, where they can get out stretch their legs and then settle in again for a nap.
What about the other option-sitting in the front seat, engaged in the Word, and seeking a changed heart, mind, and life? Front seat passengers are often those who talk with the driver. They’re more involved on the trip, consulting maps and looking for signs. They have a wide view through the windshield.
- Consulting maps: reading the Scriptures and prayer.
- Looking for signs: making individual applications. What is God saying to me? Turns, stops, detours, lane change, confession?
- Taking in the wide view: what does God want me to know about Him?
In his Lenten devotional, Journey to the Cross, Paul David Tripp makes many profound statements, but one really spoke to me. Am I blind to my spiritual blindness? What am I not seeing that is critical for life change?
I couldn’t answer those questions without moving from the back seat to the front. I was reminded of David, a front seat passenger who prayed for answers to those questions in Psalm 25:4-5 NIV:
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
What about you? What are your thoughts about being a back seat or a front seat passenger, not just during Lent, but any time in your meditations and Bible reading? Have you had an “aha” moment on your Lenten journey? Share with us.
If you want to go further, (in) courage, a Dayspring Community offers a beautiful Lenten prayer. You can access it here.
The Conversation
Marilyn, your example provides a new way to view our Bible study. The front seat is where we should always be– seeing the clear vision of God’s path.
Thanks Barbara. Experiences tell us how much we miss sitting in the back seat as a casual passenger. It was an eye opening experience for me to apply that to my Bible reading and study. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Marilyn
Love your analogy, Marilyn. Years of taking long trips to visit our kids grew into a pattern of me sitting in the passenger seat and writing on my laptop while my wife took care of the driving. I was in the front seat, but so occupied with my personal objectives, deadlines, working on ideas for upcoming posts, etc. that I hardly noticed where we were or what was going on around us. Unless something unusual happened to arrest my attention, I just cruised along in my own little world. I was confident that my wife, who is a very good driver, could handle whatever the road ahead required.
Your insightful comparison to how we react to God is both convicting and inspirational. It also reminds me that I can be in the front seat, but totally disconnected with what’s going on. Thanks for a refreshing reminder that being in he front seat is more than a positional issue.
Thank you Ron for the additional insights you shared. More to think about. Marilyn
Love the use to from and back seat driver to explain the thoughts.
Thank you. I often need visuals to help me along:)
As we move back and forth from front to back seats, I’m thankful our Father is always patient with us as we struggle to discern how the scriptures are speaking to us. Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging message.
Reminds me a little of children who want to change seats during road trips!
Marilyn, while entertaining to read with your brilliant analogy, your post promoted deep thinking about our view of Easter. Thank you.
Thank you Jeannie. Hopefully I’ll be reminded about my passenger selection when I approach my quiet times. Marilyn
Thank you Jeannie. Hopefully I’ll be reminded about my passenger selection when I approach my quiet times. Marilyn
While I squarely want to be in the front seat, actively along for the ride, there are parts where I decidedly “back seat.” You’ve given me lots to consider here Ms. Marilyn. Thank you.
Who wants to ride in the front? me, me, me.
I’m going to hang on to this idea with my next Bible Study. I’ve been guilty of lying low in the back.
Marilyn, you’ve shared a relatable analogy to help us look at our own attitudes and involvement in this journey of life. Thank you!
Okay, I need to move to the front seat more often so I can actively pursue all God has planned for me. Thanks for the encouragement Marilyn