Rhythms of Jesus – Week 5: The Discipline of Fasting
Day 35: Finding Joy in Sacrificial Worship
Fasting is not about deprivation; it is about devotion. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God. This includes our time, energy, desires, and even our physical needs. Fasting becomes an act of worship when we approach it with a joyful heart, knowing that we are giving ourselves fully to God.
True worship is not just about singing songs or attending church—it is about a lifestyle of surrender. When we fast, we remind ourselves that everything we have belongs to God. And in that surrender, we find joy, because we are aligning our hearts with His will.
For some, fasting from food is a meaningful way to experience this. For others, the best offering may be fasting from distractions, busyness, or habits that dull spiritual hunger. Whatever form your fasting takes, let it be done in joy, not duty, as an offering of love to the One who sustains you.
Key Verse:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ~ Romans 12:1
Reflection and Expression:
- Offer yourself fully to God. What areas of your life need surrender?
- Give thanks for His provision. Recognize that He is your ultimate source of strength.
- Celebrate His presence. Find joy in drawing near to Him through fasting.
May this week’s reflections help you embrace fasting as a meaningful practice, not out of obligation but as an opportunity to draw closer to God. Whether fasting from food or something else that competes for your focus, may you find joy in the nearness of His presence.
