Looking Sad And Hungry
By Heather LeeA Note of Sensitivity: For Those Affected by Eating Disorders
As we explore the topic of fasting in this post, we acknowledge that this may be a sensitive area for those who are journeying through or recovering from eating disorders or disordered eating. If you feel this content might be unhelpful for you, we encourage you to take care of yourself and seek support from trusted individuals or professionals.“Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free?”
Isaiah 58:6
Is fasting a regular practise for you?
If not, maybe now is a good time to give it a go! In the Bible, fasting is referred to lots of times and for different purposes.
It is often mentioned alongside prayer, to show humility, to seek breakthrough for something, to keep spiritually alert or to show regret for sin. Isaiah 58 is a great passage to read to learn about why and how to fast.
We shouldn’t be telling everyone and looking sad and hungry,
it should be done without making a fuss, in private and we should be seeking God’s will eg. helping those in need, praying for justice, setting the oppressed free!
Isaiah also tells us not to be hypocritical;
“Why have we fasted… and you have not seen it? … Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit your workers, your fasting ends in quarrel and strife.”
We can’t behave like this and expect our voices to be “heard on high.”God’s promises to us in the latter part of this chapter, if we approach fasting as it is intended, are so wonderful that it makes me want to have a really good go at fasting!
“Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear … you will cry for help and he will say: Here am I.”
Imagine what we would see if we were a church who took fasting seriously! Perhaps today, instead of having lunch, you could go for a walk and talk to God. Pray for the people who come to mind.
Lord, please help me to include regular fasting in my life. Help me draw closer to you and know your will more clearly.
