Thursday, February 25, 2021 - Fasting Continued

 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 - FASTING CONTINUED

Yesterday I did a first look at intermittent fasting.  Today I want to take that further as well as look at some of the spiritual benefits of fasting.

******

FIRST - SOME OF THE HEALTH BENEFITS:

According to Healthline.com, “Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function.

Here are 8 health benefits of fasting — backed by science.”

1. Promotes Blood Sugar Control by Reducing Insulin Resistance

2. Promotes Better Health by Fighting Inflammation

3. May Enhance Heart Health by Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides, and Cholesterol Levels

4. May Boost Brain Function and Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders

5. Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism

6. Increases Growth Hormone Secretion, Which Is Vital for Growth, Metabolism, Weight Loss and Muscle Strength

7. Could Delay Aging and Extend Longevity

8. May Aid in Cancer Prevention and Increase the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy

*********

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

I have my spiritual beliefs - and that does have some fasting as a good spiritual exercise.

In a large Christian denomination, during the Lenten season leading up to Easter - and expects fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  That same denomination also expects its followers to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent.  (The fasts generally mean one larger meal, and two smaller meals)

Muslims fast during Ramadan - no food during the day. Ramadan varies year to year, and in 2021, it is from April 23rd to May 23rd.

Jews fast for 25 hours for Yom Kippur. In 2021, Yom Kippur starts at sunset on Wednesday, September 15, until sunset on Thursday, September 16.  Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement.” Simply put, fasting is a vehicle for reflecting and repenting for your sins.   A source says “all forms of sustenance are prohibited, including water.

Other religions fast as well. 

I looked at this source for ideas about spiritual fasting - This is a Christian source. https://bloggersforthekingdom.com/7-spiritual-benefits-of-fasting/ - but those of other faith traditions can learn from it.

.1. SPIRITUAL FASTING CAUSES US TO RELY ON GOD

Fasting shows God that our hunger for Him surpassed our hunger for anything else.

.2. SPIRITUAL FASTING HELPS US BE FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

When we fast, we can become irritable and negative.  When we feel irritable, we can grow our capacity under stress and choose to show goodness, gentleness, and self-control instead.

.3. SPIRITUAL FASTING OPENS OUR HEART TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE

When we fast, there is almost nothing distracting us from hearing God’s voice. 

.4. SPIRITUAL FASTING RENEWS OUR APPRECIATION FOR GOD AND HIS BLESSINGS

When we fast, we force our hearts to turn to God and our appreciation for God’s presence in our lives will grow.

.5. SPIRITUAL FASTING GIVES POWER TO OUR PRAYERS

When driving out a demon, Jesus said “But this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting?

.6. SPIRITUAL FASTING CREATES AN ENVIRONMENT FOR MIRACLES

Fasting forces the flesh to go under the authority of God’s Spirit in us. 

.7. SPIRITUAL FASTING HELPS US TO CONSUME GOD’S WORD

When we fast food from our bodies, we open the way for our spirit to consume God’s Word like never before.

*********

There you are - two days on FASTING.

I am finding the dieting aspect of fasting interesting - from the Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s aspects - and the related health aspects.

The spiritual aspects I have done in the past and the benefits have been good.

And, let me add some spiritual references from Matthew 6

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.  Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

*****

So, don’t ask me if I’m fasting - (as these suggest that I should fast in private) - and comb my hair and look natural!!! 

*****

So, if you fast - (for spiritual reasons), don’t tell me.  I guess if you are fasting for dieting, then you can tell!!!

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!

Karen