19 Mar Keeping The Main Thing…The Main Thing
As we prepare for Resurrection Day, no doubt many of you are doing some kind of fast during this Lenten season.
In case you are unfamiliar with Lent, it is period of 40 days beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending with Easter Sunday. During this time, some followers of Jesus Christ will choose to set aside time to reflect and draw near to him leading up to Resurrection Day. Some will fast food or drink, and others will fast a distraction in an effort to turn their attention towards Jesus. (These distractions aren’t always bad in and of themselves, but when we devote our eyes, time, and attention to them, and they become the main thing… our distraction gains and our devotion wanes.)
Fasting isn’t just a practice we participate in during the season of Lent. The discipline of fasting is to be a regular practice among followers of Christ. As Jesus taught his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, “And when you fast…” Not if you fast, but when you fast. The purpose of fasting from anything is to deny ourselves that we might devote ourselves in deeper nearness to God, and to delight in His presence.
Remember, Satan does not want you to have a devoted love with Jesus. The enemy does not want you to have that intimacy, that closeness…and he certainly does not want Jesus to be the main thing: Our Number One Love.
If this practice is new to you or you haven’t taken on a Lent fast, there’s no better time than today to rekindle your love and devotion with Jesus. Remember, the whole point of a fast is to enjoy the presence of the Lord…not to condemn what you’ve given up. So, pray about it and ask him, “God, is this something you want me to do? And if not, what do you want me to do to draw closer to you?” And then listen and obey to what He tells you to do.
I recently came across this anonymous meditation on fasting to share with you all. Slowly and prayerfully read it and see if the Holy Spirit sparks something in you to focus on. Give that to the Lord, pray about it, and ask Him to help you lay it down so that you can focus on Him.
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism, feast on optimism.
Fast from negatives; feast on alternatives.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from worry; feast on faith.
I love y’all! And don’t forget you are greatly and dearly loved by the King!
xo-P❤️