Situated at my computer while adding up my September Fasts, I am stunned this time will be my 6^th abstaining from dairy and sugar. But what is more, because of the intense year this has been with sickness, injury, a nephew going through Stem Cell Transplant and then just a few months later dying, I am also realizing this is the 3^rd month fasting for the year (March, June, September). In a way 2022 has felt like it has flown but in other ways it feels extra-long and heavy. I am sure many of you can relate.

Made by God to faithfully live out His truth, yet attesting to a sugar addiction, I sometimes struggle for balance. The Bible (God’s word) assures me it is far sweeter than my sugarcoated treats (Psalm 119:103). Yet our creative Creator has given wonderful gifts all for our enjoyment, one of them being food with so much variety. It is true, at times we allow the gifts to become our god instead of the One True God. Finding balance will always be a struggle in this life. But recognizing these blessings will never fill the void that only a relationship with the One True God can complete through the sacrifice of a Savior: Jesus Christ, enables us to practice opening the door – everyday – to greater joy and contentment. Choosing our heavenly Father above everything else, loving His Word, is better than any delicacy and far greater than any treasure. God desires to have a people who want Him above any created thing. However, this side of heaven, I will always need to rebalance and uncover more hidden treasure from His Word that will support me on this journey reveling in Who He is and what He is accomplishing for His glory.

Our value is huge and our surrender invaluable, but our time is limited! We need to live in the affirmation that God’s Word is our greatest treasure, where we find our strength, peace, and joy. We want to experience a renewed spirit each day instead of anxiousness and low tides sweeping in on a regular basis. Too much sugar vexes our spirit and compromises our health!

Since “life is more than sweets or the food we eat” (Luke 12:23), I am taking a break from dairy and sugar as well as social media. And praying for an open door “to greater joy and contentment!”

A passage of Scripture that is becoming to me a testimony for my life purpose is Psalm 119:73-80, NLT:

“You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed.”

As I walk through this month-long fast, I pray to not be ashamed, but to display His Grace through joy and contentment being my loudest traveling companions! You are certainly welcome to join in even if you choose something different from which to fast. In the comments below, post what you are choosing!

ONWARD, joyfully!