Day 19 Devotional: Fasting For Life
Day 19: Fasting For Life
In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. (Daniel 10:2-3)
As we draw close to the end of this 21-day journey, we find ourselves in Daniel Chapter ten. The Word says that Daniel fasted for three weeks and the items he specifically abstained from during this time include: tasty food, meat, wine, and ointment.
I used to have the impression that fasting could only “count” if you consumed nothing but water. Because this sounded so painful, I could always find an excuse to delay starting.
If fasting is a stringent all-or-nothing protocol in your mind, it can feel like an obligation you dread rather than a practice that brings clarity, light, and life to your relationship with the Lord. Partial fasting is still powerful because how you spend time with the Lord is the heart behind fasting, and more critical than what you do or don’t eat.
Daniel fasted from things that would defile him, and chances are there are certain things defiling your soul and your body that you would benefit from abstaining from (like social media, fast food, soft drinks, candy…anyone agree?).
Fasting is not just for January. The Bible records multiple instances of Daniel fasting. He prayed continually, and always acted with integrity, and these are important principles for us to take note of!
Fasting is a powerful discipline that will yield so much fruit in your life when practiced consistently and as you do, you will actually find yourself ready to take on complete fasting or longer periods of fasting when appropriate.
Every time you fast, you can expect God to move in your life and bring new life to your spirit, soul, and body.
How will you carry forward what you gained during this time? Consider how you can fast more regularly going forward. Here are three basic questions that are helpful every time you fast:
Why am I fasting, what is the heart and motivation behind it?
How will I fast and spend my time, both physically AND spiritually?
What is the outcome of this fast, how can I keep a record of what I learn through fasting and carry those forward to grow in maturity?
Your Journey
What could a regular rhythm of fasting look like in your life? What is defiling your spirit, soul, and body that you could abstain from for a period of time?
Song: Here’s My Heart Lord by Lauren Daigle (YouTube)
Daniel 10:2-3
Isaiah 58:3-12
Romans 14:16-19
You can utilize the Daniel Fast Journey book (available on Amazon) for more information about the Daniel Fast along with a 21-day meal plan and recipes.