Why my family and I fast to ring in the New Year

“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

A New Year, a fresh start, time of wonderment and anticipation. While today football games will be played, people will gather and food will be eaten, there remains a single goal or should I say a tone setter for 2022, to seek God for what we would like to see Him do for our family this year.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

We seek God NOT because we are righteous. In fact it is the complete opposite. I am small and have sin filled hands. We seek God and His righteousness because our plans fail or we need help in areas that only He can bring life to. However, when our plans are placed in the one who spoke the world into being there is a success rate that can not be matched.

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:3

The key points to fasting in my opinion are:

1. Be willing to open your heart to the one who gave it it’s beat.

2, Be willing to make your fast difficult, meaning eat just vegetables, just liquids or nothing. God will fill you and satisfy your needs.

3. Be willing to make a list of things you want God to move in.

4. Be willing to allow God space to move in His time, not yours.

5. Be willing to trust God in the areas of your fast which will increase your faith.

Can you sense a pattern? Be willing. Sometimes it is much easier to say than to actually do. Many of my opinionated list is centered on having a certain level of patience.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:25

Empty white plate with a napkin on an old wooden brown background, top view. Image with copy space. Kitchen table with a towel and a plate – top view with copy space.

As 2022 starts, I am willing to lay it all before a Holy God. I know He will meet all of my families needs and requests. If you have not done so, maybe consider ringing in the New Year with a fast.