Page 9 - Lenten Devotional 2021 updated 01-21

According to Joel 2, we are commanded to turn to God with our whole
heart and with fasting. Our offering to God should not be our external
garments-our titles, our education, or our money. The greatest gift that
we can offer is our heart open to God.

Why Turn to GOD?

If you are wondering, “Why should I turn to God with my heart?”

This scripture answers our wondering, telling us of God’s great
kindness and how gracious and merciful God is. In return for giving of
our heart, God will cleanse us of evil individually and as a community.
Evil can lurk in our midst when we gossip or complain, showing up as
anger, jealousy, or frustration. Our evil can be large or subtle; it can be
poor habits that we have developed that defile us over time. As in
Zion, we are to gather in fasting. The elders and the children, and
especially the priests, together crying out to God opens God’s heart to
our cries.

What is Your Purpose in Fasting?
You can fast for a thing or you can fast from a thing. When you fast for
a thing, you invite the presence of God to provide spiritual insight into a
huge undertaking. You may have a huge decision that you have to make
and feel a bit lost. And you feel you do not know what God’s directions
are for you in this matter. When you go on a fast, you temporarily ignore
your physical senses. When you do, you begin to receive divine
messages more clearly.

Fasting for a thing is about inviting divine wisdom, presence, and
power to intervene on our behalf. Far too often we rely on our strength
to achieve a task and then boastfully beat our chests about our
accomplishments.

But where is the room for GOD?

A 40-day Journey through a Season of Fasting and Praying 11