When I hear the term “fasting,” I often think about the idea of abstaining from something for the purpose of having a physical reminder to connect with God. For instance, throughout history, Christians have traditionally incorporated fasting into their spiritual routines and disciplines to focus on the Lord regularly.
However, I’ve noticed that I’ve neglected fasting for significant periods in my life and replaced it with abstaining from various things, such as social media or unnecessary purchases. But the truth is that fasting has traditionally and historically been centered around food and drink as part of the Christian lifestyle.
So, let’s make it personal: Why would I fast?
One of the most challenging aspects of living out my faith is maintaining a constant awareness of how God moves and speaks to me through His spirit. For those of us who are constantly connected (and I am, as I sit here typing this with four screens around me, each monitoring something different), I realize the need for reminders in my life about God’s presence, beyond my normalized habits and rituals. If I fast from food and drink (read: coffee and the salad bar at Dorothy Lane Market), I can’t help but be reminded of God’s presence and my dependence on Him, especially as my stomach rumbles and I yearn for a latte to provide that mid-afternoon caffeine boost.
While I’m not very consistent at fasting, I’m looking forward to making it a weekly practice in 2025. I’ve already determined that if it’s going to work for me, it needs to be consistent and weekly. So, my Wednesday fast will include no breakfast, no coffee, and no lunch. Instead, I’ll let each desire to reach for something to satisfy my hunger or thirst pass by, and I’ll take a moment to pray. These are ways that we become active participants in our own discipleship. We must be willing to take steps to make ourselves more aware of God. In a connected and busy world, fasting is one of the most effective tools we have to remind ourselves of God’s presence.
This is a part of my commitment to THRIVE in ’25.
What’s yours?
-Pastor Dusty
