Bible Reading: Psalm 150:1- 6
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6 (KJV)
We saw yesterday how the land of Nineveh proclaimed a fast having repented of its sins as a way of showing full repentance.
Fasting is a process of denying self food and drink over a period of time. It is generally a spiritual exercise often used to get closer to God by uplifting the spirit while putting the flesh in check. When we fast we do soul cleansing as your meditation cleanses the soul and makes it new so you can receive the Holy Spirit and become empowered to live for Christ.
It helps to create a new desire for God in you. God wants a closer connection with you and as you fast, you uplift your Spirit which begins to pant after God. Like David stated in Psalm 42:1 (KJV), “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
It helps you to engage more in praising him. This also helps you to know him more as you enter into his court. Psalm 100:4 (KJV) says: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Fasting helps you to be more sensitive to God’s voice. As you praise and commune more with him, you become more sensitive to his voice. And it helps you to have a new satisfaction in him.
In addition to these spiritual benefits, there are a Iot of health benefits associated with fasting. Some of these are:-
1. It Improves blood pressure and cholesterol level.
2. It Improves insulin sensitivity levels.
3. It may reduce the risk of diabetes among those with high risk for the condition.
4. When taken for longer periods of 2-4 days, it may reboot the immune system clearing out old immune cells and regenerating new ones.
5. It is said to aid detoxification as toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body.
However for fasting to achieve the desired spiritual objectives, it must be accompanied with prayer, feeding the hungry, providing clothes and accommodation for the poor and providing for your family members who do not have. Isaiah 58:6 (KJV): “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
For these benefits, you are expected to fast at least once a week to nourish your relationship with God.
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to wait regularly on you from now on.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero