Fasting chosen by God!

Fasting is a way of humbling ourselves in the presence of God.  The realization of the awesomeness and holiness of God should make us realize our sinfulness and unworthiness.  We see how Isaiah felt in the presence of God (Is 6:1-6).  When we fast and pray, we expect God to answer our prayers.  So, after all, it is good to understand what kind of 'fast' is acceptable to Him.  In verse 5, God says, "Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself?" This question made me think.  'Only a day to humble' means God does not want us to humble ourselves for just one day.  If we fast food every day, we will die, so that is not God's plan!  God explains in Isaiah 58: 6,7 the kind of 'fast' that is acceptable to Him.

Verses 3-5 describe the way we fast now.  We skip a meal or two, but we do our regular activities.  We strike each other with angry, hurtful words and point our fingers condemning others.  Our fasting ends only in quarrel, strife, and heartache.  God says He will not answer our prayers if we fast as we do today.  God has not left us without a clue what He expects from us.  In Isaiah 58: 6-7, the Bible further explains the fasting acceptable to God: to loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free.  Fasting pleasing to God is to share our bread with the hungry and not hide from our flesh.  This list shows how 'fasting' translates into actual 'living' in the Word of God.  This is the kind of 'fasting' desired by God!

My friend, when our 'fasting' transforms our lives acceptable to the Lord, then the promises of Isaiah 58: 8-14 will become true in our life.  The LORD will guide us continually, satisfy our soul in drought, and strengthen our bones.  We shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.  Our light will break forth like the dawn, and our healing will appear quickly.  When we call, the Lord will answer, and He will satisfy our needs.  What more can we ever ask of the Lord!  Today, let us pray that the 'fasting' we choose will transform our lives and make them acceptable to God!

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