Day 3 (2/19): Fasting
Day 3: Fasting
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:10-12
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
I love chocolate! And, I admit frequently “giving it up” for Lent. Trite? Yes! Meaningful? Maybe! Required? No! So, why do I/many people “give up”/fast from something during Lent?
Unlike the current “intermittent fasting” craze, many Christians view fasting as a spiritual discipline – a practice found in Scripture that promotes spiritual growth.* It is a completely voluntary and spiritually motivated for things like repentance, guidance, healing, etc. As with any spiritual practice, fasting cannot save us, but there are many Biblical examples that speak to its value (see Esther 4, Matt. 6, and Acts 13).
To be honest, I neither fast often nor practice numerous spiritual disciplines, but as I spend more time with Jesus, I recognize transformation. Starting my day with Scripture and prayer (I literally write it on my calendar daily) grounds and guides me. It also increases my desire for the Holy Spirit to “create a pure heart” and “renew a steadfast spirit” in me.
Will I give up chocolate again this year? Maybe… not because it’s incredibly spiritual but because when I reach for M&M’s or chocolate ice cream, I stop… It allows the Spirit to turn me from human desires** to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice instead.
What spiritual practice could you try during Lent to spend time with Jesus? What would “rock your world” if it was gone? Consider “fasting” from it during Lent.
Prayer: Jesus, I want to make you the first priority in my life. Create a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me during this Lenten season. Amen.
*Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. Harper & Row, 1978.
**Mirakian, Mike. “Fasting from Self-Importance.” The Covenant Companion, January/February 2021, pp. 44-47.