Seek God Personally - Through Fasting

Ps Carol Hanes - INChurch Sydney

One of the ways we seek God passionately is through fasting. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline and it helps us refocus our lives. Food provides energy, so restricting or eliminating it naturally slows us down. By deliberately slowing down, we can better concentrate on the Lord and seek Him with all our hearts.

The discipline of fasting may involve abstaining from all food or specific types, the most common method. However, it can also include comforts, entertainment, and other distractions. Adele Ahlberg Calhoun describes fasting as one form of self-denial, stating, “Through self-denial, we begin to recognise what controls us.”

In our world filled with distractions, fasting allows us to disconnect and refocus on the Lord.

Fasting holds greater significance when approached with a specific intention. It can be a time for deep soul-searching and renewing your commitment to the Lord. It may also serve as a season to present your life’s needs and burdens to Him. Take this opportunity to receive His help and healing.

Your focus could be on addressing the needs of others. Ezra was tasked with returning the Jewish captives from Babylon to Jerusalem. The journey would be long and perilous, and the people faced the added risk of carrying valuable treasures for the House of God.

Ezra 8:23 NIV So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer.

Benefits of fasting:

• Simplified life. Eliminate some activities during this season to focus more on prayer and the Word of God.

• Spiritual clarity. Prayer with fasting enhances our alertness to the Holy Spirit.

• Set apart. A plan for a pre-determined time to meet with God.

• Scripture feast - “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Matt 4:4 KJV) Use the time you would normally spend eating a meal to feast on God’s Word by reading and meditating on the Scriptures.

Reflect

What will be your focus as you seek God passionately? What comes immediately to mind?

Make a choice to fast something, e.g. entertainment. a comfort, number of meals, types of food?

What distractions can you eliminate for this season of prayer and fasting?

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for guiding me into seeking you passionately through prayer and fasting. I am grateful for your grace and strength each day. I pray that you will hear my prayers and do a deep work in my life as I seek you with all my heart.