Fasting From Self, Feasting on God

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation."  - Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Russian-born Catholic activist (1896-1985)

Heart & Truth: Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 6:1-6; James 4:8-10 (NIV)

Question: "If you had to pick one of these three—fasting, intentional prayer, or giving/service—which one feels most natural to you, and which feels the most difficult?"

We often check off boxes like fasting, prayer, and giving/service during special times of the year (like Lent), but these aren't just "duties"—they are strengthening exercises for our relationship with God. The goal isn't to look holy to others, but to allow these habits to reshape who we are on the inside.

Understanding these three "pillars of faith" requires a brief examination. We'll begin with the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 58:3-4, the Israelites questioned why God ignored their fasting, to which God responded that their rituals were superficial, self-serving, and hypocritical.

While outwardly appearing pious (bowing heads, wearing sackcloth), they continued to exploit workers, engage in selfish desires, and cause strife. True fasting, God clarified, requires justice, compassion for the poor, and loosening the chains of oppression (Isaiah 58:6-7).

It’s about aligning our desires—not just giving up food, but giving to the needy. Biblical fasting breaks our addiction to comfort and proves that our appetite for God is stronger than our physical appetite. 

Now, let's shift our focus to prayer and almsgiving (giving/service). In Matthew 6:1-6, Jesus advises against performing charitable acts or praying just to be noticed by others. 

He warns that those who seek public validation are "hypocrites" who have already received their full reward in the form of human praise. Instead, he encourages believers to practice their faith privately, seeking only the approval of God.

This highlights that prayer is a personal conversation with God rather than a public performance. Similarly, service and giving are expressions of gratitude to God, acknowledging our role as the body of Christ to care for one another. 

To wrap things up, James 4:8-10 calls us to stop living a double life and instead draw near to God so He will draw near to you. Own your mistakes, remain humble, and trust that He will ultimately lift you up. 

In closing, keep in mind that fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are meant for God and our neighbor, not for public display. Let's embrace a humble, secret path of obedience and trust God with the outcome.

Food for Thought:

• According to Isaiah 58:6-7, what is the “kind of fasting” God actually desires?
• Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be “seen by others” (Matthew 6:1). What is the danger of seeking approval from people rather than God?
• James 4:8 promises that if we “come near to God,” He will “come near to you.” How do fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (giving/service) help us “come near” to Him?
• Based on our discussion, which of these three pillars (fasting, prayer, or almsgiving) do you find difficult to practice? Why?

Prayer: "Lord, thank you for teaching us that true worship is humility and love. As we fast, pray, and give, keep us from hypocrisy. Wash away our pride, help us serve like Jesus, and make our lives a living sacrifice for Your glory. Amen."

May God bless you,

Dorit