Real Talk: Fasting
Updated: Mar 9, 2019
It’s the first week of Lent! I’ve never really done lent before, or maybe just never properly have done it, but this year I felt the need to go on a fast.
I don’t want to talk about fasting like it’s something I’m boasting about, but more I’d like to share the benefits we can experience and why we should fast.
Here are some benefits that I know of (so far) :
It is taking away factors that could affect our thoughts, actions, and emotions. When we’re fasting, whatever type of fast you do, you are eliminating variables that take you away from God and spending time with Him. Instead of picking up your phone or picking up that food or drink you are craving and feel like you need, you replace it with prayer, reading, or just in silence with your Heavenly Father!
There is a lot of fasting in the Bible. I never knew it was such a necessary practice for Christians until now. Jesus did it, His followers did it.. I mean clearly it is something we should be doing on a more regular basis whether that’s something for even just a week to focus on God.
It strips your layers. I haven’t experienced it yet, but I am excited and scared to go through the different layers of this. Giving up things is hard…. Harder than we think. But also easier then we think when we’re replacing it with GOD. Fasting can sometimes be a little health kick, which is fine if that is what you are needing! But for the main focus to be God...that’s when it will really affect you and work. If you don’t have God as the main focus (in anything), our decisions are going to waver or it will be easier to give into whatever we’re trying to give up.
It’s a refresh. Refreshing your soul and heart and mind and refocusing on what is true and life giving.
I initially wasn’t going to do a fast. I was researching how eating can affect our moods and our emotions and it kind of started from there. I was telling my husband, Andrew, that I want to try to eliminate these different foods (I can share later) that could affect your emotions and how you’re feeling mentally and physically. I felt off and wasn’t sure why. But then during a church service I felt that I needed to fast. I told Andrew how I was feeling and said I think, not only do I want to give up some of the things I am putting in my body that could affect my mood and emotions, but I feel the need that the foundation needs to be a fast and to put God at the forefront of this whole thing. That I needed to be stripped down of my layers and to just let God intervene wherever and allow whatever He wants to do.
Have you felt that way? You are just needing something, yet can’t put a pin on it, but want God’s direction? Maybe try fasting. I’m sharing because this is my type of health journey. Keeping our body healthy and our relationship with God healthy.
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
- Joel 2:12-13
Let me know if you are interested in any of this or just have comments or questions. :)