April 27: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
Once again this week, we are reminded through scripture that spiritual practices like fasting are not to be done to check a box or even to garner favor with God. The purpose of spiritual practices is to draw us closer to God, make us more attuned to His voice, and help shape our hearts so that they look more and more like God’s. Spiritual practices enable us to be active participants in what God is doing in and around us.
Throughout history, Christians have often been the worst advertising campaign for Christianity. This is true today. And yet, God hasn’t given up on us. He wants us to look different than the world around us, and these verses in Isaiah speak to a few ways. Isaiah 58:5 tells us that God doesn’t intend for us to “humble ourselves” for only the day of fasting. He wants to build a radical character difference in us that allows us to be present in the world in a way that honors and points people to Him. Take a look at verses 6 – 7:
6No, 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.
7Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Our reading ends with verse seven, but let’s continue to the promise that God makes to us if we choose to “fast” in this way:
8Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes. Isaiah 58:8-12 (NLT)
When we commit to God’s ways, He promises to be with us, to lead and guide us, and to restore us. We can go through the motions when it comes to things like fasting, but God isn’t fooled because He knows what’s in our hearts. If we approach a spiritual practice like fasting with humility and a desire to meet God there, He will honor our sacrifice.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org