strengthening our trust through self denial

We usually think of fasting as a 24 hour or multiple-day event.

However, why can't there be many kinds of decisions/events throughout the day? Decisions to consciously, willfully, and deliberately deny ourselves something that may actually be neutral or normally OK. 

Denying ourselves food is only one form of self denial. There can also be denial of catching up on the latest news, or participating in a temporary recreational diversion such as a movie, game or sporting event, in order to use that time to pursue God more deliberately. These are also types of self-denial. Is this not the heart and intent of fasting?

Luk 9:23  And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Anything that aids and increases our appetite,  trust, and dependence on God is a good thing. 

Why?

Because God is the best "thing" we can pursue, receive, partake of, and experience. By denying ourselves things we normally find comforting, we focus instead on the God of all comfort. 

Our increasing union and full restoration to God (practically on a daily basis, not legally - which is already taken care of by Christ) is his primary aim in all things he allows and directs us to pursue. Whether that involves "good" things or "bad" (as the world defines them) such as denying ourselves what may otherwise be legitimate activities. 

This is opposite of the world's message of indulging ourselves in whatever our heart desires. Instead of our desires ruling us God calls us to be ruled by His love.

Our redemption and reconciliation to God is the foundation on which this occurs. Because we are already fully restored to God legally - by Christ's efforts, not ours - we are now freed to focus on being fully in harmony with God practically in our daily lives/walk.

What aids and increases our dependence on God depends on us, our attitude, and disposition towards God. 

That attitude is strengthened through our trust in God's love for us demonstrated to us in and through Christ's work on our behalf. 

That trust is strengthened by looking to God for comfort instead of other activities and diversions.

Pursuing God through prayer, fasting, fellowship, worship, and the various other means of grace He provides (and empowers us by), are vital in realizing this. 

Whatever it is God calls us to or allows us to go through, we must trust God knows best and receive and participate in all things accordingly.

2 Cor 12:9 ...he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

Intent is key...

For a further discussion in doing things for the glory of God click here.