Start the New Year with a Fast

Every January I start the new year with a fast. Not a don’t-drink-my-favorite-Starbucks-coffee-fast, but a fast that limits the food I take in for a specific period of time. Besides, after all the gorging on rich foods over the holidays, this is a perfect time to take inventory of what’s really important to my health.

People fast for different reasons. For one, I am always looking for a way to feel better physically. While I enjoy each sweet morsel or serving of yule log over the holidays, I know it’s not doing my body any good. [SIDEBAR: why do we eat like fools over the holidays? You’d think we’d never seen some of these delicacies before.] I still hit the treadmill, but it can’t rid my thighs of cheesecake and Christmas cookies.

But committing to a fast is more than just changing a diet or a physical experience. It’s also a spiritual one. It’s about remembering who I am; remembering what’s important to me. About setting time apart to ponder on what’s essential in life. When I participate in a fast I know I will get hungry or crave a particular yummy.

This is where the fast pays off. I sit back and pray, Father I am hungry for food, but my hunger for you is greater.

Fasting Can Leave the Old Behind

Participating in a fast is a perfect time for self-examination. Had I been leaning on delusional thinking the year previous? Was I self-absorbed?  Did I put myself before others?

Boy, I would like a latte, but Father, I need to feel your presence more.

You may find, too, that your prayers are more finely tuned … more personal. How can this be a bad thing? I truly cherish this experience each year … and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you see me in January and I seem lost in thought, be kind to me. It’s probably a good guess that I’m processing lessons learned while craving a Snicker’s bar.

My Recommendation

If you’re considering a fast in 2021, I highly recommend Kristen Feola’s The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. With 21 devotionals and 100+ recipes, this book is your ultimate plan of action and toolbox as you commit to the Daniel Fast. You’ll not only embrace healthier eating habits, you’ll also discover a greater awareness of God’s presence.

Divided into three parts–fast, focus, and food–this book is your inspirational resource for pursuing a more intimate relationship with God as you eliminate certain foods such as sugars, processed ingredients, and solid fats from your diet for 21 days. Author Kristen Feola explains the Daniel Fast in easy-to-understand language, provides thought-provoking devotions for each day of the fast, and shares more than 100 tasty, easy-to-make recipes that follow fasting guidelines.

In a conversational style, Feola helps you structure the fast so you can spend less time thinking about what to eat and more time focusing on God.

As Feola writes, “When you want ideas on what to cook for dinner, you can quickly and easily find a recipe. When you feel weary, you can be refreshed through Bible verses and devotions. When you are struggling with staying committed, you can refer to the information and tools in this book to motivate you.”

Let’s Hear From You

Could you start your year with a fast? Do you think it could bring you closer to God? Are you willing to give a few days of your life to find out? How do you plan on starting 2021? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.