Finding Rest in the Rhythms of LifeShembull

The Rhythm of Fasting 

There is nothing overtly spiritual in the act of fasting. Fasting becomes beneficial when the focus of and the hope for our fast is clear and present. If I commit to fast or withhold from food for a particular period to hear from God, I am taking a conscientious step toward experiencing communion with him. But if my time of fasting is solely comprised of me just not eating, I don’t think I’ll experience the beautiful benefits of the rhythm. When I turn over the plate, I want to replace the need for food with the need for God. When I grow hungry, rather than filling my belly with food, I will ask God to fill my spirit with his spiritual substance. In this, we gain clarity of thought and purpose because we are not turning to our own devices to be satisfied. We’re asking God to satisfy us in the ways that only He knows and can do.

Fasting or abstaining can also help to reveal to us the deep dependence and control something has over our actions and attitudes. The things that we choose to abstain from may not be inherently wrong, but withholding allows us to see the position that we’ve allowed something to take in our life’s conversation.