Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Isaiah 58:5-6

 March 4

"....Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? “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." -Isaiah 58:5-6 (NLT)

If you have ever struggled with winter weight gain it is a common occurrence. It is also understandable why more people diet in March than any other month. As the ground begins to thaw and spring starts stirring in the air, it is wise to get in better shape for the new adventures of spring and summer. Regrettably most diets eventually fail as weight lost is usually regained often leaving us feeling like failures. Yet dieting or abstaining from food is not new. People in the Bible did so frequently but called it by a different name: "fasting". It is often a more successful way to keep weight off but needs to be done for right reasons. Fasting includes going without food in order to spend time in prayer. It is a holistic approach involving body, spirit, and soul that is both noble and difficult. It offers time to pray, teaches self-discipline, reminds us that we can live with less, and helps us appreciate God.

As we enter the season of Lent in the Christian calendar, many people choose to fast during the 40 days before Easter to draw closer to God. Fasting can be very helpful spiritually and physically but at it helps only the person doing it. God reminds us in today's scripture he wants our fasting to go beyond our own personal growth and health to include acts of kindness, charity, justice, and generosity. This "comprehensive fasting" is not only beneficial to us but even more pleasing to God. It reaches beyond ourselves and benefits others. Fasting can be brief or lengthy yet offers us powerful new ways to not only lose weight but draw closer to God while helping others.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the ability to become healthier and draw closer to you through prayer and fasting. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Dieting eliminates. Fasting liberates.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)