Some people are very disciplined to fast ( I know people like that). Some of us find it very difficult to fast maybe because we can’t curb our appetite 😊 and we deceive ourselves that we are living a fasted life ( surely I belong here).
I know a number of people who tell me that they have prayed and fasted about situations but God has not answered. Some of these people I know have grudges in their hearts against people. I always encourage them to keep on praying but they should first let go of the offences before the Lord will answer as per Luke 18.
Now in Isaiah 58, the Lord gives a list of the fasting that He likes. Remember God has His ways and we have to find them . “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein]. (Jeremiah 6:16, KJV)
Isaiah 58:4-10 NLT
“What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. 5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind.
You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord?
6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
I believe the Lord wants to bless us, therefore, let us rid ourselves of anything that defiles and let us seek God with a perfect heart.
Let’s pray 🙏
Father thank you for your direction for us even in this period when people all over the world are fasting and seeking your face. Please convict us to know where we err and give us a humble heart to repent, we ask this in Jesus’s name.
Amen.
Chara-Joy 🌸 