I feel like fasting is one of the least talked about disciplines of the Christian faith in the American culture. Not only are there few sermons or teaching on it compared to prayer or Bible study, but when someone does engage in it there is this sense that it should not be talked about. Doesn't Jesus say to let no one know when you're fasting (Matt. 6:16-18)? Yet, how are we to know how to fast and to encourage one another in this discipline if we are quiet about it?
Last year I started growing in this discipline. I set aside one meal a week where I would fast and honestly, I loved how that developed a set apart time for me and Jesus in a special way. It was also a great weekly reminder of my need for him as more then all else.
Going into this year I put the discipline aside as I struggled to get into the swing of leadership responsibilities and the busyness of my schedule. I have realized that this has been a sad neglect on my part, and so have picked up the practice again. I have realized the day I am to fast my soul starts hungering for that time long before my body experiences any hunger. There is this sweet eagerness to come fully before the Lord with all my concerns, for him to listen and respond.
Ultimately, fasting is a sweet discipline which develops a great hunger for God.
I love this. My mentor and I were just talking about fasting last night, about what this discipline means. I think I'm going to start doing a meal-a-week fast, too. I want to be reminded in a more physical, tangible way of how desperately I need Him.
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