Solitude and Fasting

            …when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness…for forty days             Luke 3:21-22; 4:1

            Having been affirmed by God, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. Why the wilderness? The wilderness was a place of solitude and fasting.

            Solitude, coupled with silence, is essential if we are going to quiet the myriad of outside noises and distractions that muddle our ability to hear the “small, still voice of God.” It is a place to still all other opinions, agendas, interpretations, and priorities. It familiarizes us with the inner-voice of God’s love and direction.

            Fasting releases us from dependence on the physical realm, self-reliance, and independency and compels us to rely more fully upon the spiritual sufficiency of God’s provision. It trains us on how to depend completely on God.

            But the wilderness is also a place of testing where the enemy will use our vulnerability to challenge our calling and to question our identity by tempting us to “prove it.” If we have not developed a full sense of recognizing God’s voice and relying on His provision, we will be more likely to succumb to the enemy’s tactics. This is why periods of solitude and fasting are so essential to effectively living out God’s calling for our lives and ministry.

Let’s Do Something About It

The practices of solitude and fasting are long held tradition in the Christian church. They are effective soul-training. Henri Nouwen called such disciplines, ways to create space in our lives for God to work. Consider if it is time for you to spend some time fasting or in solitude.

·      Solitude: Schedule some time in the next week where you can spend at least ½ hour in complete solitude and silence. Take a walk, sit in your back yard, create a cozy corner in your home. Turn off the phone, the TV, the computer, all “noisy distractions.” Put a “do not disturb” sign on your front door. If time is important set a timer so that you don’t have to keep checking your watch.

1.     Spend the first few moments just quieting your mind. Have a paper & pencil close where you can jot down any “urgent” thoughts that rise up, so that you can release them.

2.     Try to visualize just you and the Lord in a beautiful, quiet, private, safe place. The point here is to just be with Him, to just experience His Presence with you.

3.     Don’t worry if you doze-off. The point is to draw close to Him. At the end of the time, thank Him for spending this time with you, and make a plan on when you will do it again.

4.     If you have had any impressions or insights during this time, jot them down in your journal.

·      Fasting: Consider setting aside an intentional time of fasting in the near future, whether it is for 1 meal, 24 hours, or several days.

1.     Make sure that you are physically healthy before fasting (if you have any doubts, ask your Dr.) Do not stop taking any medications according to instructions, and make sure to drink plenty of water during your fasting.

2.     Do not over-eat before you fast. Rather, the last meal you have before your fast should be light and healthy. During your fast, spend the times you would be eating reading the Bible, praying, worshipping, or journaling.

3.     Consider your “hunger pains” as calls to prayer.

4.     At the end of your fast, before your first meal, thank God for His provision during your fast. Consider journaling any insights you may have. And ask a special blessing upon your meal. Make sure this meal is light and healthy.