Fasting (for real)

Last week I fasted for the first time in a long time. It lasted just 1-1/3 days, and yet It was easily the most meaningful fast I’ve ever done--an amazing time of being close to God. I can now see what Willard and others have talked about: in times of abstinence from earthly things, God certainly can grow larger in our experience.

I also felt as though my spiritual sensitivity was heightened. I felt more in tune with my own feelings and inner leadings; I also felt more peaceful, and more attuned to the needs of others. What I felt most of all was non-competitive. I didn’t feel as though I was battling others—in conversation, accomplishments, needs met, agendas passed. I felt a continuing sense that “things will work out—there is time for each of us.” Perhaps this is the greatest danger in our dependence upon earthly sustenance: we get demanding, we get self-focused, and we get impatient that somehow our needs won’t get met and we won’t be okay.