Lent itself is modeled after the forty days Christ spent fasting in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11) Hence giving up something for Lent.
Fasting itself is a weird subject, even those who endorse it don't necessarily know anything about it. Sometimes their whole argument is; people in the Bible did it so you should as well. That is a classic false teacher statement. The people who like to prey upon the ignorance of naive people who don't know the whole truth. With that being said, let me say fasting is a deeply personal thing, you shouldn't let anyone tell you when or why you should fast. (Matthew 6:16-18) I say that because in the wrong hands, traditional fasting can be used as a brainwashing tactic. So be Leary of anyone who pushes the practice on you. Let me also add, traditional food fasting should only be practiced by those in good health. Diabetics and hypoglycemics should stay away. However, with this world being so overrun by empty and toxic amusements, I dare say non-traditional fasts may be as, if not more effective at their intended purpose.
Speaking of which, fasting is a way to detach from the physical world to better take a hold of the spiritual one. So there is indeed value and reason behind the practice that many of us may need. In short, a time of reflection and self-examination as we seek God's input. (Psalm 139:23-24)
There are three scriptural reasons to fast. The first is to petition God. If you feel you really need an answer to something, but all the distractions of the world are getting in the way. Fasting can be a way to focus our intentions. As well as humble ourselves before God.
The second is mourning. People will sometimes naturally do this in their grief. Mourning is a natural part of the healing process after all. Yet, we often try to rush people through it, for the sake of our comfort. Especially if we see that they are withdrawing, or not eating. Maybe we should stop assuming the worst and stop interfering with their mourning. Even if we are not comfortable with how their spirit is leading them to do it. The peace of God that they seek is far more valuable to them than your approval any day.
The last is atonement, making reparations for our sins. Atonement may not be absolutely necessary under the New Covenant, with Jesus offering himself as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Still, this can actually be a very revealing experience if we fast something associated with our problem area. It can show us the depths of our relationship with what we are giving up. This may be beneficial in our eventual repentance of said behaviors if you intentionally approach it that way; instead of merely following a rote tradition.
People often engage a devotional reading during this time as well. Even if they have no interest in doing a fast, they will do this. There are many specific Lenten devotionals available. They are typically about the season of Lent and its traditions and history though. Depending on your intent in engaging Lent; you may try a more targeted subject-based reading plan instead.
I have observed Lent before, but I don't always. I have found it rewarding when I have though. I only formally observe Lent when I feel the need to repent, reconnect, or move past a plateau. I do feel the need this year, for a variety of reasons. Specifically, I will be giving up social media this year. I have expressed my frustrations with the format lately. Being on the dawn of a new leg of my walk as a disciple, and my ministry I have many uncertainties about whether social media needs to be a part of it at all. My hope is this will reveal if there are any real benefits or only detriments. As well as possibly see whether it really is just a crutch for genuine connection. Or possibly just a way to solicit approval and acknowledgment, like many other social media influencers seems to.
Will you be observing Lent to some extent? It just so happens to begin on my birthday this year. This seems rather poetic to me. 2/22/2023 (Ash Wednesday)
The Visual PARABLEist
The second is mourning. People will sometimes naturally do this in their grief. Mourning is a natural part of the healing process after all. Yet, we often try to rush people through it, for the sake of our comfort. Especially if we see that they are withdrawing, or not eating. Maybe we should stop assuming the worst and stop interfering with their mourning. Even if we are not comfortable with how their spirit is leading them to do it. The peace of God that they seek is far more valuable to them than your approval any day.
The last is atonement, making reparations for our sins. Atonement may not be absolutely necessary under the New Covenant, with Jesus offering himself as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Still, this can actually be a very revealing experience if we fast something associated with our problem area. It can show us the depths of our relationship with what we are giving up. This may be beneficial in our eventual repentance of said behaviors if you intentionally approach it that way; instead of merely following a rote tradition.
People often engage a devotional reading during this time as well. Even if they have no interest in doing a fast, they will do this. There are many specific Lenten devotionals available. They are typically about the season of Lent and its traditions and history though. Depending on your intent in engaging Lent; you may try a more targeted subject-based reading plan instead.
I have observed Lent before, but I don't always. I have found it rewarding when I have though. I only formally observe Lent when I feel the need to repent, reconnect, or move past a plateau. I do feel the need this year, for a variety of reasons. Specifically, I will be giving up social media this year. I have expressed my frustrations with the format lately. Being on the dawn of a new leg of my walk as a disciple, and my ministry I have many uncertainties about whether social media needs to be a part of it at all. My hope is this will reveal if there are any real benefits or only detriments. As well as possibly see whether it really is just a crutch for genuine connection. Or possibly just a way to solicit approval and acknowledgment, like many other social media influencers seems to.
Will you be observing Lent to some extent? It just so happens to begin on my birthday this year. This seems rather poetic to me. 2/22/2023 (Ash Wednesday)
The Visual PARABLEist
Some other key passages about fasting
David’s attendants assume he we fasting out of mourning, but in reality, he was petitioning God. -2nd Samuel 12: 16-22
John’s disciples question Jesus about the tradition of fasting. Their tradition wasn’t very scriptural, but Jesus’ response was. -Matthew 9:14-15
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