Monday Motivation: Reaching Out To Him
Posted by Andrea
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
Over the past few weeks, my heart has been feeling heavy. There is a particular situation that has been troubling me and I have been praying about it fervently. Several times a day, I’ve been bringing my requests before God, petitioning Him, pleading for a resolution.
I have been so overwhelmed that I have sought counsel from a few of the more seasoned Christians I admire and have solicited prayers from one of the greatest prayer warriors I know. As I have prayed and considered the sound advice I’ve been offered, God has shown me that I need to slow down, let go of my worries, and move closer to Him while I wait. So, in order to show God that I was seeking Him with all of my heart, I did something I haven’t done in a long time. I fasted.
Because it had been so long since my last fast, I had forgotten that fasting is a heightening, humbling, and powerful experience. As I fasted, I began to hear the voice of the Lord much more clearly. God also led me to question my motives for praying and revealed to me that I was so busy pushing my agenda that I had not sought His divine agenda. In addition, God used this fast to help me change the direction and tone of prayers. Ultimately, this Heavenly heartprick steered me in the proper direction and drew me closer to Him. I now better understand that in order to experience any spiritual growth as I fast, my heart needs to be in the proper condition.
The Lenten season is here and it’s a wonderful time to fast. Consider making this sacrifice as you reflect upon the life changing sacrifice Christ made for each of us. This is an excellent way to keep your mind focused on the importance of Christ’s death and resurrection and a marvelous way to develop and tone your spiritual muscles.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for the Lenten season. Thank you for the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross and for the resurrection that followed. As we focus on the life changing gift of salvation, help us to embrace You. Draw us closer and allow us to seek ways to get closer to you. Show us how to fast and give us the discipline we need to fast. When we do fast, help us to do it in the proper manner and enlighten us as we sacrifice. Amen.
Food For Thought:
1. Have you ever fasted? What prompted you to do so?
2. Why is fasting an important part of spiritual development?
3. Read Matthew 6:16-18. When we fast how is it to be done?
Photo: Courtesy of samanth celera (Flickr)
Andrea, as usual we’re on the same page. How funny. :~D Would you please stop by Chrysalis and share more of your experiences with fasting on my recent post? I would really appreciate it.
I’m sorry your heart has been feeling so heavy lately. I’m trusting your fast gave you the answer you were seeking, and has brought you much peace. Bless you my sister!
(((Hugs)))
It is strange how we’re often marching to the beat of the same drum. I enjoyed your post and have jotted down some notes. Thanks!
Wonderful reminder of sacrifice. The Easter season is the perfect time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and reflect on His sacrifice. Fasting is such a wonderful way to deny ourselves and seek Him. So glad that you have heard from the Lord on the burden you have been bearing.
Yes, this is the PERFECT time! I’m feeling better too.