Next, learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly, gladly letting God have his way with you. This will make possible the next step, which is for you to enjoy other people and to like them, and finally, you will grow to love them deeply. The more you go on in this way, the more you will grow strong spiritually and become fruitful and useful to our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:6-8 The Living Bible
Yes, the more we go on in this way - the way of learning a new lifestyle modeled on the lifestyle Jesus lived - the stronger we grow spiritually, the more we know and enjoy God, and love like Jesus.
Fasting is one of the ancient pathways Jesus practiced and spoke of when He said “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” We truly are on solid ground when we seek to model the style of living Jesus lived.
“Really, it’s just abstinence from something for a limited duration for the purpose of focusing on God. Abstinence from food (and sometimes water as well) is what is primarily meant by fasting in the scriptures. But fasting can also be abstaining from other things, such as technology or entertainment. As we deprive ourselves of physical, emotional, or intellectual satisfaction we learn to find our sufficiency in God.” -- Bud Lamb, Chasing the Sage, Page 148
It’s not that what we abstain from is bad. But in our world today where more is better, faster is never fast enough, multi-tasking is esteemed, life can return to its proper speed when we give it a break.
A typical food fast of 24 hours abstains from eating food yet allows drinking water. Our compassion for the homeless and hungry grows.
Fasting from technology turns off the TV, smartphone, and all electronics from 6 pm to 6 am the following morning. Our connection with family grows as we play cards, take walks, tell stories.
Taking a 10-minute walk in the morning and afternoon is abstaining from the ruthless pursuit of “getting it all done.” We find delight in sunshine or snow outside the office or home.
In all these outcomes we find ourselves more open to the majesty of God.
Fasting we learn to let go of being in control, create space to hear as our hunger screams, and enjoy resting in God’s provision in slowing down.
Go to your calendar now and mark off some times to schedule a fast.
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Pray
OK God, over these past few weeks I’ve learned about the ancient paths of reflection and prayer. They are pretty familiar but now fasting? Really? When it comes right down to it God, I just don’t want to - kind of like a little kid being reminded to eat his broccoli. But...I’m going to give it a try. Help me let go of my need to be in control. Amen
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