Fasting from the World to Feast on God
Scripture
Isaiah 58:6, 9 (NASB)
“Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke?”
"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness"
Devotion
God isn’t impressed by empty religious fasting. The kind of fast He chooses has purpose: to break chains, loosen sin’s grip, free the oppressed, and realign hearts with Him. True fasting is about transformation, not starvation.
Pastor mentioned fasting from:
When you fast from these things, you’re not just creating empty space—you’re creating holy space. Space for Scripture. Space for prayer. Space for reflection, repentance, and worship. Space to hear God’s voice more clearly.
You may feel weak, uncomfortable, or restless in fasting. That’s normal. Those are often the very moments God uses to expose what you rely on instead of Him—and to call you into deeper dependence on His presence.
Reflection
Prayer
Father, I want to practice the kind of fast that You choose. Show me what to lay down and how to pursue You in its place. Use this season to loosen any bond of wickedness in my life and to set me free from anything that hinders my walk with You. As I call on You, let me hear Your “Here I am.” In Jesus’ name, amen.
Isaiah 58:6, 9 (NASB)
“Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke?”
"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness"
Devotion
God isn’t impressed by empty religious fasting. The kind of fast He chooses has purpose: to break chains, loosen sin’s grip, free the oppressed, and realign hearts with Him. True fasting is about transformation, not starvation.
Pastor mentioned fasting from:
- Music that doesn’t honor God
- Favorite foods or all food for certain periods
- TV shows and entertainment
- Social media and online distractions
- Any habit or input that pulls your heart away from God
When you fast from these things, you’re not just creating empty space—you’re creating holy space. Space for Scripture. Space for prayer. Space for reflection, repentance, and worship. Space to hear God’s voice more clearly.
You may feel weak, uncomfortable, or restless in fasting. That’s normal. Those are often the very moments God uses to expose what you rely on instead of Him—and to call you into deeper dependence on His presence.
Reflection
- What specific thing can you fast from in the coming days that will meaningfully refocus your heart on God?
- How will you intentionally “fill” that freed time/space with seeking God (Bible, prayer, worship, quiet stillness)?
- Have you been viewing fasting as a “religious duty,” or as a relational invitation from God?
Prayer
Father, I want to practice the kind of fast that You choose. Show me what to lay down and how to pursue You in its place. Use this season to loosen any bond of wickedness in my life and to set me free from anything that hinders my walk with You. As I call on You, let me hear Your “Here I am.” In Jesus’ name, amen.