Matthew 6:16-18a "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. (The Message)
Fasting is a practice that is found throughout the Bible, both in the OT and in Jesus teaching, and the teaching of the early church. There have been some unhelpful practices and teaching around fasting over the centuries and some of you may have had similar experiences. Fasting is not depriving yourself of something you enjoy so as to elicit or force God to give you something as a reward for your self-deprivation. To put it simply, fasting is at its basic level, stopping an activity or routine so that you can focus more specifically on another task or person for a season. The point is not to deprive you of the task or activity, but rather to help keep your attention focused on something else.
When you start dating someone you may give up certain routines or activities so that you can devote more time to focus on the other person. It is not about reward for self-denial but rather a surrender of something which may distract your attention or time, to focus on something or someone of greater importance for a season.
We are the most distracted generation ever to live on planet earth. The accessibility and variety of distractions make it harder than ever to keep connected to Jesus. Work, food, sex, money, relationships, sport, phones - we each have our challenges in terms of distractions that can impact our life with God. We may need to step away from some of these for a season to focus more on our relationship with Jesus and prayer. Paul even tells married couples to abstain from physical intimacy at times so they can spend time with God in prayer
There may be some things God calls us to fast from for a season which are quite hard to do. However, fasting from certain things may actually work against the purpose of the fast which is to be more in tune with God. If you find fasting from food just makes you angry then it’s probably not going to help much in terms of connecting you with Jesus. But there may be something else you can fast from which could be challenging but is actually also life-giving and brings you some level of joy as you focus more on God. For me silence away from distraction as a form of fast for a few days on retreats really helps me focus on God and tune in to the HS.
If you are feeling distracted and unable to find time to spend with God or in prayer, maybe think about what you could fast from for a season. Whatever it is, the outcome is not about twisting God’s arm, but rather seeking his face and his will in your life or situation. God desires our company. What is keeping you away?
Grace and Peace - Garry