Realignment: Three Days With Godনমুনা

Day 3: Spiritual Strength and Guidance

In the book of Joel, God calls His people to return to Him with “all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” This passage shows fasting as an act of repentance and a way to reconnect with God profoundly. Repentance is not just about confessing wrongdoing; it’s about turning away from anything that separates us from God and refocusing our lives on Him. In fasting, we empty ourselves of earthly attachments, allowing God to fill us with His presence.

Sin is an archery term “to miss the mark.” The goal of our lives is not to reduce sin in our lives but to eliminate it completely. When Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda and talked with the woman caught in adultery (John 8), His commandment to them was not to “go and sin less” but to “go and sin no more.” All sin is the same to God; murder and lying carry equal weight to Him because every sin misses the mark of perfection and separates us from each other and Him.

This is why repentance is required daily. All of your sins have been forgiven and forgotten by God (Hebrews 10:17-18), but our actions should reflect the forgiveness we’ve been given (Ephesians 4:31-32). Today, reflect on areas where repentance may be needed. Is there a relationship, habit, or attitude that requires God’s transformative grace? Fasting gives us space to confront these areas honestly, without judgment, as we turn them over to God. Use this time to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with God, holding nothing back.

Remember that repentance is not only for sins but anything that diminishes our love for God or distracts us from His will. God’s heart is compassionate, and He eagerly welcomes us when we return to Him. Reflect on His mercy and grace, knowing He delights in forgiving and restoring His children. Use today’s fast as an act of returning to God, acknowledging that He alone can renew and strengthen you.

Spiritual Preparation

Today, you may experience some difficulty while you are fasting. Your focus may be less sharp, so you must continue to ask the Lord for His strength during this fast. Remind yourself that you can get through this and talk to the Lord about the situations that come to mind in prayer.

Practical Preparation

This will be a more challenging day than yesterday. Do not succumb to the temptation to eat; you will reset your body’s clock. If you continue pushing forward, the rest of your fast will be easier than eating something. Drink more water today and continue to rest.

Ask Yourself:

1. Are there areas in my life where I need to repent and seek God’s grace?

2. What earthly attachments or distractions could I surrender to God today?

3. How does knowing God’s compassion encourage me to come to Him openly?

Prayer Focus:

Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in identifying areas needing repentance. Ask for the courage to let go of anything that hinders your relationship with God and seek His mercy and renewal.