For much of our existence on earth we’ll find ourselves searching after something. Whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually we’ll dedicate our days and allocate our hours. We’ll see to it that we acquire the treasures of the particular season we find ourselves in and once grasped fully, move on to the next journey. But then the cycle repeats itself.
Though now is when the dedication of our days and the allocation of our hours can have an eternal effect. We must tread lightly as pilgrims.
In the Lenten season, our fasting can and should be used to seek the Lord who desires to meet with His people. Fasting with many of its purposes calls us to first dedicate something along with the making of time for God Himself. And that’s the point. We can fast to simply meet with our Father, our Savior, our Counselor, and our Friend. We can fast if not for any other reason but to adore the Lord and seek Him while He may be found.
In Luke we see an example of that ”and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.“ Luke 2:37 ESV
We in our fasting can forego the meal, halt the satisfaction of our flesh, and deny the attempt to satisfy our appetite to adore the Almighty God. When we’re faced with the pains of hunger we can be like the Psalmist and declare “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2 ESV
We can enter our times of prayer with the intention to meet with God just to meet with Him because He is the greatest treasure. Here then is my encouragement to you brothers and sisters. Just because the Lord sought us out does not mean we can be stagnant the rest of our days. Take seriously the time that has been loaned to you and use it wisely in this fast to come before God and tell Him “this is how much my soul needs thee”.
To be with Jesus is sweeter than honey and more delightful than dining.
Scriptures to Encourage You:
Psalm 9:10 (ESV)
Psalm 34:10 (ESV)
Psalm 119:10 (ESV)
James 4:8 (ESV)
1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)
