April 10: Insight Post by Bret Burzio
Friday Insight Post
by Bret Burzio
In our April Bible Reading Plan, we are focusing on the practice of Fasting as a way of connecting with God in a deeper way. Through fasting we can eliminate so many of life’s distractions that keep us from walking with Him more closely. This week I have specifically been thinking about finding joy in fasting. That might seem anathema to something that is typically associated with mourning and repentance. And certainly, both mourning and repentance are a part of the fasting journey. But I think joy can also be a deeply meaningful part of that journey.
We start with Jesus as our Lord and Savior, telling us in John 6:35 (NLT), “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” We see here that He is our true nourishment, and in Him we will never hunger or thirst. He calls us to be in His presence not only to find nourishment, but to find His joy as well, as the Psalmist sings to us in Psalm 16:11 (NLT), “…in Your presence is fullness of joy.”
Jesus while talking about the importance of abiding in His love promises us in John 15:11 (NLT), “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” So, if we go back to fasting as a way of connecting us to God’s presence in a deeper way and we humble ourselves rightly before Him with repentant hearts, we can hold on to His promise that His joy will overflow, yes, even in times of fasting!
Bret Burzio
Volunteer Manager
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org