Ezra 8:21 "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."
Fasting is not a part of our culture anymore these days. And perhaps that is a bad thing. Ezra says here that fasting was so that they could afflict themselves. "Afflict" here means to humble, bring oneself low, be bowed down. When hungry, we become weak, we see how truly frail and helpless we are without God's constant provision.
This "forced humility" allows us to clear our minds of distractions, to see what truly matters. This allows us to seek God with a clear mind, to find His right way for us and our possessions as well as for those who we influence.
For what thing in your life do you need God's direction? Can I set aside a day to fast and pray, seeking God's right way for me? Is finding God's right way worth a day without food to me?
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