Fight for It: A 21-Day DevotionalSample

Today’s Devotional:

There are times I don’t feel like fasting. Author Donald Whitney is right when he said, “Fasting is the most feared and misunderstood of all the Spiritual disciplines.” But for me, it’s not that I’m scared (since I’ve done it many times before), but I often misunderstand the purpose(s) of fasting. Scripture teaches we can fast for a variety of good reasons, but ultimately, we need to remember the essence of fasting is not about food. This is what I struggle with.

So, what is fasting truly about? Slowing down. Ironically, we should “fast” to “slow down.” Honestly, that’s why I don’t want to fast often—I’m too busy as I hurry from one thing to another.

However, as we start 2023, let’s admit many of us are too busy and worried about too much as this year begins. Maybe the economy is a concern, or we have a few relationships that could be better, or many of us are just exhausted.

I believe in such a situation, this is the perfect time to fast, but only if we commit not to make it about food. Instead of focusing on food, let’s commit to slow down and “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10). One scholar has said this is the most terrifying verse in the book of Psalms! I think he’s right.

You see, as we fast and refrain from eating all food or certain foods, we slow the body down physically. And with every hunger pain, we use it to slow down our minds and souls, enabling us to have meaningful times with God.

How can I slow down while I fast? First, detach from the drama of life. This doesn’t mean leaving your family for 40 days and running to the mountains. But it may mean unplugging from social media and all your “screens” for a while. Maybe, instead of eating breakfast, you have an extended time of prayer and Bible study with God.

A Christian author was asked by another believer what he should do to become the “best me I can be,” and he responded, “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life!” That is wisdom! When we detach from the drama of life, we can plug into more of God as we soak in the truth that His “love is greater than life” (Psalm 63:3).

Second, delve into your desires and longings. Richard Foster said, “More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.” As you fast and slow down, it gives you an excellent opportunity to examine your wants and needs and to weed out any junk that has crept into your life.

So don’t let this fast be about the food you’re pushing away, but rather slowing down to embrace the God who can truly fill you!

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Today’s devotional is written by Pastor Randy Allison

Question:

• How can you “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life” this week?

A Prayer to ‘Look Up’: God, thank you for the gift of today, and help me make the most of it by slowing down so I can make more room for you! Let your spirit reveal to me anything that is leading me away from your presence. I truly hunger and long only for you. Amen.