He must become greater; I must become less.

~John 3:30 NIV

Many Christians observe Lent at this time of year. Lent is a time to fast, pray, and reflect on Christ in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. Some people fast from certain foods, television, social media, and other things that generally demand their time or attention. But I once observed a different kind of fast. 

I had passed through an extended season of hardship that left me weighed down by hurt and heaviness. Hard times have a way of making us a little self-absorbed. When everything feels turned upside-down, it’s natural to have our hands full just to hold ourselves together.  

Unfortunately, being hyper-focused on self hinders our healing and shrivels our faith. As much as our human nature urges us to look out for ourselves at all costs, God calls us to look to Him. For me, it was time for a different kind of fast—a fast from self. 

Nineteenth-century revivalist Andrew Bonar said, “Fasting is abstaining from anything that hinders prayer.” When I was in the throes of my darkest trials, my prayers were often hindered by my racing thoughts and hurt feelings. I couldn’t see it then, but I see it now. 

Why are you cast down, O my soul,  and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,  my salvation and my God.

~Psalm 42:5 ESV

Abstaining from food for a time to focus on God’s presence is pretty straightforward, but how do we fast from ourselves? Perhaps we can spend more time listening to God and less demanding to be heard. Maybe we can spend more time loving others and less licking our wounds. Or we could spend more time telling our stories with God as the hero and less time rehashing every tear and trial. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

~2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV

Think of a different kind of fast from self that you could observe. 

Lord, I feel you calling me to turn my gaze from myself to You. I want to focus on You so that I don’t miss even one of Your gentle nudges. Who can I love or serve? Who needs to hear about how You stayed with me in the dark and brought me back to the light? You didn’t rescue me just for my benefit. You rescued me so I can bring You glory and others hope. Thank You for seeing me through, Lord. I’m ready to spread the news to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: A Different Kind of Fast: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved