Day 10 of Lent Saturday Feburary 28th 2026
Scripture
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7
Reflection
A huge part of our need for control is the desire to control what other people think of us. We spend so much energy defending our actions, correcting people’s perceptions, and making sure we look “right” in the eyes of others. It’s exhausting.
Jesus modeled a radical form of surrender: He didn’t always feel the need to defend Himself. He knew who He was in the Father’s eyes, and that was enough. When we relinquish control over our reputation, we find a strange, powerful freedom. You don’t have to win every argument. You don’t have to correct every misunderstanding. Today, practice the “silence” of trust. Let your character speak louder than your defense. When you stop trying to manage your image, you have more room to manage your heart.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I care too much about being right and being seen. Today, I relinquish my reputation into Your hands. Help me to find my worth in Your whisper rather than the world’s shout. When I feel the urge to defend myself or control how others see me, remind me that You are my Defender. I choose to be still and let You handle my name. I unclench my grip on my image and breathe in the security of being Your child. Amen.