April 8: Insight Post by Rusty Coram
Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram
For several years now, I have followed an intermittent fasting plan where I have my first meal of the day around noon and my last one around 7:00 or 7:30. I have done this for two reasons: (1) being a bit healthier by limiting my calories, and (2) disciplining myself. In an affluent society, these can be helpful goals. In the Bible, fasting has a more important purpose, though. By fasting, we turn our attention from hunger for food to hunger for knowing God better. Fasting can also include other normal things in our lives that we willingly give up for a period of time to focus our thoughts on God and His will.
Going without food or something else we regularly rely on (social media, videos, etc.) to devote more attention to God is a valuable discipline. It is surprising how difficult it can feel at first, and for me, it is a reminder that I often live a life of convenience rather than deliberate devotion, comfort rather than real conviction. My intention during this month is to look for ways in which fasting will increase my attention toward God and strengthen my pursuit of what I desperately need rather than merely what I want. A few passages that should help in this quest:
“7So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” James 4:7–8 (NLT)
“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org