FASTING – RESETTING THE DIET OF OUR SOULS
When we fast, we choose to experience hunger, something we are definitely not used to doing in our everyday life. It’s easy to become fixated on that missed meal or coffee withdrawal, but fasting isn’t merely a physical discipline, as it’s not just for our body. It is a visceral, tangible reminder that we are primarily spiritual beings who have a deeper hunger, a hunger for God.
As we fast, we are resetting the diet of our souls and reminding our easily swayed hearts that “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Here are four practical ways you can get the most out of your fasting:
1. Put aside
Fasting is a biblical discipline of sacrifice where we say no to lesser pleasures in order to say yes to greater ones! So over your time of fasting, make the decision to go scriptural before you go digital. Before you open that app, that email or scroll through that social media feed, make sure you find yourself in the pages of scripture.
Even better still, why not stay off social media and Netflix series completely during your fast? As you silence the noise of the world, you will make space to hear the voice of God more clearly.
2. Press in
This is a perfect time to start new habits of reading the bible and praying. Start and finish each day in the Word of God, and allow the Holy Spirit space to bring fresh insight and revelation to your heart.
It might prove helpful to set yourself a target of what scriptures you are wanting to read during your fast, as well as having a notebook and pen handy as you read each day. This is a great habit as it postures your heart in faith expecting t hear from God.
3. Partner
Come to corporate moments of prayer and worship. Each morning and evening of our fast we are gathering online and in-person to pray and worship. Make these priorities as there is power when the people of God communally seek His face together. It will also be a great way to spur yourself on when you are potentially feeling weaker at the beginning and end of each day.
4. Push through!
What you decide to do, commit to! Fasting is spiritual warfare so recognize that the enemy will come and it will look like the flesh. Every time you experience a hunger pang, let that be a reminder to turn your affections to Jesus.
So before you fast, pre-determine what you are going to give up for the days ahead. But also, pre-determine what and who you are fasting for. Are there situations you are wanting to see breakthroughs in? Are there people you are wanting to come to faith in Christ? Having these clear decisions and aims in your heart before you fast will greatly assist you in pushing through to the end.
Blog written by Gabe Phillips who is one of the pastors in our Life Changers story