Fasting From Sugar, Feasting On God's WordSample

Day Five

The Joy Giver

Scripture: Joel 2:12

When I stopped filling my emptiness with sweet treats so that I might be filled up with God, I realized how far I’d drifted from God’s presence. I experienced a holy sort of sadness. Before I could be satisfied by His joy-inducing presence, I had to grieve over how I’d strayed and then choose to return to Him. “‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning’” (Joel 2:12, niv). 

Today I invite you to take an honest look at where you are and where God is in relation to you. He is not a far-off God; He hasn’t gone anywhere, but it’s possible that you have. It may be that instead of running to Him to fill you, you have been running to the pantry. Perhaps, instead of opening up your Bible, you’ve been opening up your phone and scrolling through social media. 

If you find that you habitually turn to anything but God, I urge you to deal with your wandering prayerfully and to seek Him faithfully. Weep, mourn, and return to Him, for in His presence you will find the joy you’ve been searching for. 

I’m reminded of the Christmas story and of the name Jesus was given before His birth. Matthew 1:23 proclaims the angel’s message: “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (esv). The name Immanuel means “God with us.” And by His indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus remains a very near and present God. Our free will allows us to wander from the One who promised never to wander from us. So today, we need to purpose in our hearts (and in our lifestyles too) to turn back to Him—to return. 

It is my experience that once you return to the Joy Giver, joy isn’t far behind. 

Dear Lord, thank You for being my Father, even when I am a wayward child. I’m sorry. Your forgiveness is life! And because I’ve been so completely forgiven time and time again, I ask that You bind me close to Your heart and help to keep me in step with Your joy-giving Spirit. In Jesus’s name, Amen.