21Then his servants said to him, "What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food."
22He said, "While the child was still alive, (X)I fasted and wept; for I said, '(Y)Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.'
23"But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? (Z)I will go to him, but (AA)he will not return to me."
2 Samuel 12:21-23
What is this passage saying, that we are to fast only when there's a hope of something happening? The other example of fasting is in Matthew 9:14-15, where Jesus is questioned about His disciples' lack of fasting. His response was that there's no reason to fast while Jesus was still with them, only when He leaves is there a reason to fast. So in this case with David, he fasted in times of intense prayer and seeking God's counsel. Fasting is a time where we rid ourselves of earthly food and really focus in on the spiritual nourishment from God.
I've only fasted a few times in my life... fewer in prayer. Why is that? Do I really believe I don't need these times of spiritual feedings? Have I really gotten so fat and lazy that I don't greatly desire God's invervention in my life? Fasting has gotten to the point of a community event but we need it to be personal. Nothing's wrong with doing it with our Christian brothers and sisters but what it comes down to is inviting God's Spirit to really fill us up.
Father God, allow me to hear Your desires in my life. Search my heart O God, so that I can see my innermost desires and I invite the Holy Spirit to shape, prune and mold it into something glorifying. It can only be done by Your mighty hand. Love You, Father God! Amen!
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