A Season of Fasting

Scripture:

Joel 2: 12 - 14

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and relent
    and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
    for the Lord your God.

Reflection:

We often think of fasting as giving up some tangible things - usually food or alcohol. And those are important practices that we will explore together during the fasting course. However, this devotional will focus on a different kind of fasting - fasting from sin and the wounds that can lead to sin.

As we read in Joel 2, God desires that our fasting goes beyond outward appearance (rending our garments) to include internal transformation (rending our hearts). This internal transformation is lifelong work that requires intentional reflection, prayer, and ongoing relationship with God and other followers of Christ. It also requires us to confront the reality of sin - in the world and in ourselves and choose to turn in a new direction. It is through this work that we come to experience more fully the blessings that God has in store for us.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

How am I feeling coming into this season of Lent? What transformation am I seeking?

What am I willing to fast from in order to see that transformation come about in my life?

Prayer:

Share your feelings, hopes and concerns with God in prayer. Ask for wisdom and discernment to see the things that are holding you back from fully turning towards God. Ask for forgiveness for any sins that come to mind and pray for God to guide you in the weeks ahead.