Today’s Verses: 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Psalms 63:1 NIV

Devotional: 

We live in a microwave society, where people want everything now. Whether it’s meals, news, music, relationships, success, or power—we are surrounded by the “my way, right away” mentality. But, as Christ-followers, our lives are meant to be different. One way we can do this is by slowing down.

Fasting might have the word “fast” in it, but it’s more about slowing. Fasting is about unhurried prayer times, taking time to listen to Jesus, and learning about the Holy Spirit. John Mark Comer says, “To walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace. Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and spoils our work. It never advances it.”

If you’re fasting a meal, don’t just work through your lunch break because you aren’t eating. If you’re fasting from social media, don’t just find another app to scroll through. Remember to redirect your time to focus on Jesus. Take 20 minutes today, put on your favorite worship music, and sit still in the presence of God. Take time to pray and also take time to listen. Open your Bible and read your favorite Scripture. Slow down and spend time with the Creator of the Universe.

Question:

What would it look like if you adopted God’s slower pace in every area of your life?

Prayer:

God, help me not to simply fast, but to slow. Help me learn your unhurried rhythm, slow my pace, and practice stillness in your presence. Make me more like you during this time of fasting, strengthen my spirit and sustain me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.