Scripture
Isaiah 58:6–7
“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
God desires a fast that produces freedom, compassion, and transformed living, not empty religious ritual. It begins with humble hearts positioned towards him!
Matthew 6:16–18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Reflection
As children of the Most High God, we don’t fast to get noticed here on earth, or in heaven. We fast to humble ourselves before the Almighty God. (Notice that Jesus says… “WHEN YOU FAST…” This assumes that all believers are expected to fast.) When we give up something that is necessary for LIFE, we deny our flesh and simply feed the spirit. We do this by feasting on the Word of God, praying, worshipping, praising, meditating on the Word, and spending time in the presence of the Father.
Fasting is a practice that aligns our heart with God. As our hearts break for what breaks his, it redirects our thoughts to heavenly things rather than the earthly. This world is not our home, and when we deny our flesh, we are reminded that our hearts desire heaven. As we soak in the presence of the Lord, our spirits come alive in surrender to our loving God.
Paul mentions disciplining his body into submission in 2 Corinthians. This is what happens in our faith when we fast. We reject our earthly cravings and seek first the kingdom of heaven!
Practice
As you enter into fasting this week, be intentional. We often like to keep ourselves busy in order not to “feel” those hunger pangs. However, our mindset cannot be to simply “get through it”. But rather, to be intentional about praying, worshipping, feasting on the word of God instead of earthly food.
I encourage you to set aside INTENTIONAL prayer time during your fast, to focus on HIS face. As a wise pastor (Pastor Timothy) always says “pray about what to pray about.” This aligns our hearts with what God has planned, rather than our hearts desires. God sees the big picture when we can only see pieces of the puzzle.
Pray BOLD prayers, that lose the chains of oppression, that set people free.
Trust in Him as you seek his face for direction this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I fast and pray this week, may my focus be on what you would have me pray for. Would I be BOLD in my prayers this week, asking for things more than I could ever think or imagine for nothing is impossible with God.
Lord forgive me for getting distracted and keep my heart intentional as I seek your face. Father your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and your ways are higher than my ways. I trust you Lord my God. Lead me and guide me this week.
Amen.