Counsel #24 — Fasting to Focus

Picture: Counsel #24 — Fasting to FocusCWe 113.1

Whenever you find yourself struggling to abstain from certain temptations, consider fasting and praying — a time when you intentionally refrain from partaking in those temptations, praying for the Holy Spirit to help you overcome them.CWe 113.2

While fasting is often associated with abstaining from food, it can also include stepping away from other things that you prioritize over God, like social media, TV, money, music, or an unhealthy emotion such as lust.CWe 113.3

By fasting, you’ll develop self-control and create a space in your mind to reflect on the desires of God’s heart that you may have been unaware of or overlooked. By intentionally forgoing temporary comforts, your mind will be ready to receive God’s clarity and discernment simply due to the perspective shift. Fasting is extremely beneficial for the believer, but how does this look practically? To begin, pray, asking God about what to eliminate from your life. Then choose a dedicated amount of time to fast from that thing, spending time in prayer, and reading God’s word. This act of intentional abstinence will undoubtedly deepen your relationship with God, making it all worth it.^{[146] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V5IBgx1lHw} CWe 113.4

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:16 NIVCWe 113.5

“Abstain strictly from all stimulating food or drink. You are God’s property.” Ellen White in Temperance, p. 164CWe 113.6

Reflect: Have you ever fasted before? In what ways was your fast helpful, and in what ways was it difficult?CWe 113.7