How to Fastনমুনা

THE GIFT OF HUMILITY

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul introduces two concepts that are fundamental to fasting. First is the importance of sanctification, meaning to make holy, set apart, or consecrate: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely” (5:23). Sanctification is a work of God, where, through the power and work of the Holy Spirit and our collaboration with His efforts, He purifies and refines our character to be more like Christ. It’s not just a spiritual or moral purification; it’s a holistic transformation that encom­passes the entire person. The process is ongoing throughout the Christian’s life, leading toward spiritual maturity and moral integrity and the goal of our being formed into the image and likeness of Christ (see Romans 8:29).

This verse goes on to say: “May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Fasting is a spiritual practice that engages the soul, serves the spirit, and benefits the body, all for the purpose of the sanctification of the whole person in growing more like Christ.

I have found that the most lasting and trans­formational spiritual benefit to fasting is the gift of humility. In Psalm 69:10 we read, “I wept and humbled my soul with fasting.” We see the word humbled used here and in other refer­ences (see 35:13 for example). Ezra 8:21 says, “I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”

The very basis of our faith speaks to a creation constantly humbling itself in the presence of a holy God. Humility is al­ways the bedrock of worship.

Let me add that you cannot fast yourself into the character of humility. That is a result of a life submitted to the leadership and direction of the Lord and His Spirit. Fasting humbles your soul so your spirit can pray, and there, in that rare and beautiful space, Jesus meets you to form and renew you.

Once our souls are hum­bled through fasting, we are positioned to begin the se­rious and joyous kingdom work God has laid before us to do.

Why would fasting lead to humility? Why does humility draw us closer to God?