Do you ever get into a routine where you’re doing more than you should? Are the pressures of daily life wearing you down? My schedule turns around and latches onto me like a pit bull sometimes, and I feel like I’m out of control.
Once, I got to feeling that way, and I plopped down on the floor and prayed, “God, I’m out of control. I need help to rein in my life so it’s manageable again.” I felt a gentle nudge to fast, and it hit me again how simple the solution is if I would just remember to do it sooner.
Fasting does for your mind what it does for the physical body.
It removes toxic thoughts from your mind. It humbles your soul and gives you fresh peace and increased poise. Participating in a fast shows God that he is more important and more essential than food or anything else that competes for our time and attention.
When you fast, you fulfill the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). When you fast, you say, “God you are my source. I’m accountable to you, and I’m going to show you that you’re more important and more essential than my very life substance—food!”
Fasting is a way of denying self and experiencing greater levels of holiness.
Fasting puts the Holy Spirit in the driver’s seat of our thoughts and actions so that we naturally choose God’s holy things. Paul wrote…
Romans 12:2 MEV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The mental rewards of fasting alone are worth the price. You will find renewed closeness to God, a new power from God, and a greater sensitivity to spiritual things. The mind is cleansed, the body is cleansed, and the searchlight comes on in your spirit to seek out God’s presence and direction.
Essentially, fasting does one thing: It places you in a position to receive from God. It doesn’t earn his favor or get his attention. It doesn’t produce faith, but it will put God back in control of your life.
