The gain of self-denial

We are called to deny ourselves, (e.g. fast) to help make us more aware of our dependence on God - who is true life - instead of the pleasures of creation.

When we least want to deny ourselves may likely be when we most need to.

If we regularly choose to act in ways that require us to focus on our dependence on God instead of the pleasures of this life we are deliberately humbling ourselves. 

We are not only called to humble ourselves but this also leads to our ultimate joy and gain. 

Denying ourselves the pleasures of this life (*for a season) leads us to find greater pleasures in God; feasting on God himself leading to increased gratitude for his good gifts. But not only pleasures in God now but in the next life as well. In fact the greater our pleasure in him in this life the greater our capacity to enjoy him in the next life. 

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." - James an apostle of Jesus. Jas 4:10  

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" - Jesus. Luk 9:23-25

"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - Jesus right before his betrayal. Luk 22:42 

"...but (Jesus) emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, - Paul and apostle of Jesus Php 2:7-9

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*Denying ourselves legitimate pleasures long-term that we find in creation is not God's design or intent. Creation is good but it is not our God. It is a means to an end, not the end itself. It is given to show us God - His beauty, power, creativity, and love and should be seen and approached as such.