Joel 2:12 invites us to wholeheartedly return to God, saying, “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” This verse calls us to use fasting as a means of deepening our relationship with God.
The invitation to return implies that even those who love God with all their hearts can experience separation or a slow drifting away from Him. It’s not always a sudden U-turn but can be a gradual, imperceptible curve that leads us in the wrong direction over time. One small misstep or yielding to temptation can make it easier to veer off course.
Joel’s call to return to God requires diligence, vigilance, and a wholehearted commitment. God desires a genuine, all-encompassing turning back to Him that involves our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Fasting is one way God invites us to return, as we abstain from food or other pleasures to refocus on our relationship with Him.
Fasting humbles us as we acknowledge our dependence on God and seek His face with greater intensity. It’s not about earning God’s favor or manipulating Him but aligning our hearts with His will. By creating space in our lives through fasting, we can seek God more earnestly and listen for His voice.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus assumes His followers will fast, providing instructions on how to fast in a humble, God-focused manner. Fasting is an integral part of the Christian life, as we intentionally pull away from distractions to refocus on God.
Along with fasting, Joel mentions weeping and mourning as expressions of genuine repentance and sorrow over our sins. These emotional responses demonstrate a contrite heart and a recognition of our need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. As we fast, pray, and seek God, we may find ourselves moved to tears of joy, confession, and release.
To practice fasting and seeking, set aside dedicated time, clear your schedule, and decide on an appropriate type of fast based on your health and circumstances. Combine fasting with prayer and Bible study, using hunger pangs as prompts to seek God more diligently. Approach fasting with a repentant heart, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of disobedience or sin. Confess, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing.
As we fast, let us expect God to move and be open to how He may speak, guide, and transform us. When we seek God with all our hearts, we will surely find Him.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy that allow us to return to You. Illuminate any areas of our lives that are not pleasing to You, any influences drawing us in the wrong direction. Help us to refocus, readjust, and recommit ourselves to seeking You wholeheartedly. As we fast and seek Your face, align our hearts with Your will and transform us from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, amen.