Lent 2021: A Story to Live BySample

Soul food

Reflection:

Fasting is an opportunity to reshape and reorder our desires. As we fast, we choose to temporarily forgo something in order to recalibrate our hearts so that our desires are reordered. 

I’ve never found fasting easy. But, I’ve found that the discomfort from fasting reminds my soul that I want to enjoy God more than anything else. And it makes me more thankful for all that I have, and more attentive to the struggles of those for whom hunger is not a voluntary choice.

How can I fast?

• Choose what to fast from – something you’ll miss. Food is the most common, but you can also fast from TV, or social media.
• Choose how long you’ll fast for. Maybe you could fast for Holy Week? Challenge yourself but don’t be unrealistic. You could start with just one day. 
• Use the time you would have spent preparing and eating food, or scrolling through social media, to focus on God. Spend time in prayer, reading the Bible and worshipping. When you notice you’re longing for whatever it is you're fasting from, remind your soul that you long for God more. 
• If you’re fasting from food, consider how to stay physically and mentally healthy during this time. 

Author: Clark Buys

Clark is a part of the Theology Team at Tearfund.