When Fasting Leads To Peace

When life just seems too overwhelming and nothing is working out as you planned, what do you do? How do you keep going when you are struggling just to take your next breath?

If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
your faithful love will support me, Lord.
Psalm 94:18 (CSB)

These last few years have felt like trial after trial… and they never seemed to stop trying to drown me. But, the Lord has been faithful and continues to guide me on paths to new and good places. I trust Him.

I am currently taking a 40 day personal social media fast until just before Easter in April. I finished the 40 day sugar fast on February 13th. This was my 8th or 9th year joining that fast and it was a beautiful time feasting with the Lord. However, I’ve never done this social media fast before. I felt drawn to set down my addiction to online activity during this season. And let me tell you… it.is.HARD! I’ve found myself picking up my cell phone and automatically opening the apps without even thinking. I have been quick to shut it off again, confess my weakness to the Lord, and turn to seeking Him instead.

This time so far has also been refreshing and encouraging. I am finding that I can write with a clearer heart and mind, that I have more time to focus on the important things in life, and that I feel closer to the Lord.

Taking time away from social media and online habits can be especially challenging during times when you are trying to build your online ministry presence. But, I felt the Lord strongly call me to trust Him. So, I’ve scheduled a few posts ahead of time on my social sites, I’m working on my blog and other writing endeavors more during this time, and I am just enjoying more time in study.

Have you ever done a fast before? Tell me what you learned during your time and how it drew you closer to the Lord. Did fasting bring you greater peace during those seasons of seemingly never-ending trials? I would love to hear from others.