Generosity Grows at the Intersection of Fasting and Simplicity
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6-7 ESV
Series: Fasting: A Posture of Surrender Focused on God
Devotional: 7 of 7
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun once wrote, "Fasting clears us out and opens us up to intentionally seeking God's will and grace in a way that goes beyond normal habits of worship and prayer. While fasting, we are one-on-one with God, offering him the time and attentiveness we might otherwise be giving to eating." One of the ways that God clears us out is by identifying the areas of excess in our lives that consume so much of our time and resources. These areas of excess add unnecessary complexity to our lives, often leading to increased fear and anxiety.
But complexity, fear, and anxiety do not have to be the dominant voice ringing in our ears. Instead, through the many seasons of life, the practice of fasting forms in us both an inward and outward life of simplicity. Here, at the intersection of fasting and simplicity, a life of generosity has the time, space, and resources to blossom. As generosity grows in our hearts, we are free to give out of the resources God has entrusted us with.
When we fast, we join with others around the world who fast, not as a choice, but out of a lack of food. In a hustle and bustle culture, fasting slows us down long enough to see the needs of the poor and oppressed living in our communities. This kind of fasting opens our eyes to the words of the prophet Isaiah, "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7 ESV)
Looking closer at your own life, what areas of excess have become unnecessarily complex? How might God be leading you into a life of simplicity so that you might freely give the resources He has entrusted you with? And finally, is God leading you into the regular practice of fasting so that you might see and respond to the needs of the poor and oppressed in your community?
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
RECOMMENDED READING
This is an affiliate link. Any purchase you might make helps support the ministry of OnThe3rdDay at no cost to you.
