As we in unity gather to fast this August what is happening in our lives? What is the purpose of this fast? I have been entrenched in a multi-year project to blog through the Bible. What is the overwhelming theme and constant thought throughout the Old Testament? In Joshua chapter 23 the people of Israel are encouraged by Joshua to "cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day." (Joshua 23:8) and to not "cling to the rest of [the] nations, these which remain among you" (Joshua 23:12). How does this relate to our August fast?
We are enveloped in a world that vies for our attention at every moment of the day. The people of Israel were coming from years of hard living in the wilderness and entering a season of easy living in the Promised Land. Joshua encouraged all the people to not forget God when they inherited the cities, houses, and cultivated land that they didn't build. We are living today in our own type of promised land where we have been richly blessed by God. It is too easy to let these blessings draw our attention and devotion away from God. When we take away something that is intrinsically part of our daily life we break the cycle of dependance we have placed upon the things we have.
As you enter a fasting season you will notice a void in your life where the item at one time took your attention. I encourage you to take this time to allow God to meet you in this moment and fill that void in your day with Himself. You will be richly blessed as you cast aside the things of this world that vie for your attention and cling to God.
For further reading on the idea of clinging to God read through Joshua 23 and 24 and visit http://www.aaroneberline.com/2010/05/cling-to-the-lord-your-god-not-to-this-world-joshua-23-and-24
Blessings,
Aaron Eberline
