Fast Day 8: Freedom

As citizens we stand for the freedom and rights of humans. As Christians we stand for a different kind of freedom and responsibility. This is not a freedom to do whatever we want within the law, but a freedom to live life in the light of Christ. We have a firm confidence that we are much loved and watch for opportunities to love and serve others with our eyes open.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; so keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of bondage … for you were called to freedom. Make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an opportunity to do whatever you want, but to serve one another through love. Galatians 5: 1, 13

Fasting can feel like a kind of bondage to our commitment. But only if we look at the physical side of this discipline. Fasting and prayer means that we deny ourselves something, but we fill that emptiness with a wider freedom to search Him out with a more untethered heart.

Freedom is precious! We know when we are feeling free. I experience a lightness in my step and a clarity of mind. My heart looks outward, not troubled with or bothered by my own inner turmoil. For me, I realize how grateful I am for my life, the time I had with my late husband and so many God-given blessings.

First, freedom comes from knowing that we have been freed from bondage to sin and knowing that “He has removed our wrongdoings from us as far as the east is from the west.” (Psalms 103:12). Wherever you are on a globe, if you keep going west you will never catch up to the east, because there will always be a west ahead of you! He promises that He will never revisit our wrongdoings, so don’t revisit them yourself! You are freed from their bondage.

If you haven’t asked God to forgive you for those wrongdoings, no matter how big or how small, ask now. Agree with God that you were wrong and ask Him to help you turn away and turn around to doing it better from now on. He will forgive you and free you.

Secondly, freedom comes from living out what He has asked you to do. Stay committed to your fast and search for Him as you move through each day. Love God and love others as you love yourself. Own your freedom and let it give you the courage and grace to reach forward in love. Speak words of life into your own journey, and the lives of your family and friends. Do the hard or messy chores without complaint. Listen without interrupting. Don’t judge the dirty clothing or body size or anger of those you encounter on the street. Be patient with the checkout person. Be friendly and savor encounters with people who seem lonely, harassed or sad. Don’t schedule your day so tightly that you miss out on these moments to be His light of love.

As you move forward in your fast, keep your eyes and your heart open to love with His freeing love, take note of the opportunities God gives you to be His mouth and His hands. Thank Him. Ask Him to begin to show you how you can specifically use who you are becoming to serve those who are bound and overburdened.

Dear Father of Freedom, help me to stand firm and confident in this fast. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Show me the fruits of my freedom in You and expand my desire to help others to experience the same. Give me Your eyes to see people as You see them and humbly serve them as You would. Amen.