Text: Joel 2:12–13
12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
SELF-CONTROL AND THE DISCIPLINE IN FASTING
Memory verse: Psalm 69:10 “When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.”
Fasting is turning down the volume on the world so that you can hear God more clearly. Trying to talk to someone on the phone, but loud music is playing in the background. You can not hear him well, so you turn the music down or put it off. In the same way, fasting helps us “turn down” the noise of our physical desires so that we can hear and connect with God.
In Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus said that fasting should be done in private, not to impress others. Some people fast just to look holy or spiritual. They want others to see them and praise them. But Jesus says true fasting is between you and God. When you fast with the right heart, God sees it and rewards you.
Fasting is not only about stopping food. It is about practicing self-control. It means saying “no” to our hunger and other comforts so that you can focus more on God. When you fast, you are telling your body, “You are not in charge, God is.” This trains you to be stronger in other areas too, like saying no to sin or bad habits.
Fasting is like cleaning up your room. In that process, you collect things you do not need. When the room is dirty, it gets messy and disorganized, and it becomes hard to find what is important. When you clean it up, you can see clearly and use the space better. Fasting is cleaning up your heart. It helps remove distractions so that you can focus on God’s voice, His love, and His will. This practice helps you grow in spiritual strength. It teaches you patience, focus, and trust. When you feel hunger, you are reminded to pray and rely on God for strength, not just on food or other pleasures.
Fasting is not about suffering; it is about growing. It is a spiritual tool that helps you hear God better, live with more self-control, and grow closer to Him. By turning down the noise of the world, you make more space in your heart for God to speak and lead.
COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 124: GRACE TO BREAK THE CHAINS, By Apostle James Abache
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- In the darkness, I have wandered,
Bound by chains I cannot see,
A heart once pure, now heavy-laden,
Longing for a way to be free.
But You, O Lord, are full of mercy,
With Your light, You set me free.
Grace to break the chains that bind me,
Come, deliver, set me free.
Refrain:
Grace to break the chains that bind,
Lift my soul and ease my mind.
In Your love, I find release,
Come, O Lord, and give me peace.
- I’ve fallen deep, I’ve lost my way,
But Your forgiveness calls my name.
You cleanse my soul, You light my path,
And guide me from my deepest shame.
No more the chains of fear or sorrow,
You hold my hand through darkest days,
Your mercy rains like gentle rivers,
And leads me to Your holy ways.
Bridge:
Oh, Your mercy knows no measure,
In Your grace, I find my treasure.
With Your strength, I’ll rise above,
Held in the arms of perfect love.
- Through every trial, I’ll endure,
For in Your light, I am secure.
The chains may come, but I will stand,
For You, O Lord, are in command.
You heal my heart and make me whole,
Restoring peace to my weary soul.
Outro:
Grace to break the chains of old,
In Your mercy, I am bold.
Lord, Your love, my heart will sing,
Forever free, forever clean.
Today’s Prayer
- Lord, strengthen my spirit to overcome fleshly desires and walk daily in self-control, Amen.
- Father, grant me grace and focus to fast faithfully, honouring You with discipline and commitment in Jesus’ name, Amen.
- LORD GOD, empower others fasting to stay strong, disciplined, and deeply connected to You, in Jesus’ name.
