When we think of fasting, we usually think of food. However, fasting can be from any number of things. I recently heard about someone who did a twenty-one day fast from negativity and complaining. I also heard about another person who fasted from watching the news. Is there anything in your life that you feel is a distraction or possibly even destructive? You might consider fasting from it.

I was feeling discouraged this week because (1) I haven’t made as much progress as I would have liked on my goals for the year, and (2) I haven’t made much progress on my goals for Lent either. (See my post regarding Lent here.) I have been making some progress. Just not as much as I would like. So I made a bold move yesterday. I deleted some apps from my iPhone that tend to take up some of my time. I will be fasting from those things over the next three weeks. And I am putting it in writing here in order to hold myself accountable.

Years ago I used to love hours of peace and quiet. I could take a four hour drive, by myself, without even turning on the radio. My mother would ask me if I got bored. I told her that it was glorious – just me and God.

Then in May of 2012 I purchased my first smartphone. And everything pretty much went downhill after that. If I am just sitting and waiting, I feel the need to do something to pass the time. I will check email, social media sites, or play a game. At times I almost feel desperate as I search for anything to satisfy a deep thirst within me. However, I always walk away feeling even thirstier than before.

The truth is that God is the only one who can satisfy that deep thirst within. So I am now on a quest. Like someone wandering through the desert, I don’t want just an oasis anymore. I want The Living Water! So over the next few weeks I will be putting aside some things that I feel are holding me back. In their place, I will be seeking God. I know He will meet me in the desert. I can’t wait to see what He has in store!

(Photo by kiko costa.)