Day 2 · Fasting & Self-Control
An Honest Heart
“"Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning." Tear your heart and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.”Joel 2:12-13
Reflection
God is never impressed by hunger for its own sake. Through the prophet Joel He asks us to tear our hearts, not our garments, longing for honest love rather than a performance. Fasting is meant to turn us toward a God who is already gracious and merciful, so we can lay down our pretenses and simply come home to Him.
A prayer
Gracious God, You are slow to anger and rich in loving kindness, and so I can be honest with You. I do not want to put on a show; I want to give You my real heart, even the tired and divided parts of it. Turn me gently back toward You, and let any fasting I do be a sign of love rather than a way to earn Your favor. Thank You that You receive me as I am. Amen.
Carry this with you
Where might I be performing for God or others, and what would it look like to simply be honest with Him today?