Fasts are anything but. I am doing a 21 day fast of sorts. A time of giving up much of the food I enjoy on a daily basis. A time to replace the pleasure of eating with a devotion to praying specifically about something. It’s not a magic wand kind of thing. It’s a shift of focus. An adjustment in perspective. A heightened awareness. I should do it way more often.
I bring this up only because it has made me realize what role food plays in my life. It’s a filler. A filler of time, of boredom. It’s a reliever. A reliever of stress, of anxiety. It’s a comfort. A comfort for loneliness, for sadness. It’s a friend. A friend I share my happiness with and focus on in social gatherings.
It’s a little frightening to me that I run with all these emotions to something that will literally end up in the toilet at some point. That can’t be right…
Don’t get me wrong. I love food and I always will. God, in His great love, gave it to us for not only our sustenance but also our pleasure. As with so many things in life, He went overboard in meeting not just our needs with food, but also our desires. The joy of tasting and savoring and relishing.
But somehow I can tend to go to food as the source instead of the supply. I should be going to God with all of the emotions that occupy my heart and mind. HE is the source who offers the supply. He is the reliever, the comforter, the friend that I need.
Instead of tearing open my extra large bag of M&M’s when my heart is sad or confused or elated, I should be running to the Hand that feeds me. That comforts me. That meets my deepest needs and graciously supplies for my greatest desires.
I’m trying not to rush this time of refocusing. I’m trying to let it be a slow fast. A time to savor not food, but God Himself. To relish His presence and taste His goodness. And to let every growl in my tummy be a reminder to run to Him, my Source. My Everything…
1 Peter 2:2 – Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment…
Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Thanks Jana, this was really cool to read after just finishing a two day fast. I know I’m a wimp (I’ll work my way up to 21;), but it always kills me as well as reveals to me so much about my relationship with God, and the reality of my weakness. Clever title! Keep writing:)
Thanks, Billy! So good to hear from you! Loved the new song that you and Terra recorded. Beautiful and perfect for her amazing voice! Hugs to all the Kerrs! So excited for you guys and your new adventure. This fasting thing is doing more in me than I anticipated – emotionally, spiritually and physically. New meaning to the term, “leaning into God” and “His strength in my weakness”. Not to mention that it’s been a total colon cleanser! Miss you guys terribly!