I wanted to lift today by speaking about the great blessings we posses here in America. We are indeed blessed with much peace in this land relative to all other nations. I say relative because all of life is relative. We are large compared to an ant but in the vastness of space we are as an atom. But when I went to use the scripture that I had in mind I was pulled another way. I sought the words of the prophet Isaiah when he speaks about the "repairer of the breach". I will bring that up another time because of the way I feel about the remainder of the chapter.
In light of how I celebrate the first Sunday of each month by setting this time aside to fast this chapter was very appropriate to come across. It teaches the true meaning of fasting. Isaiah here speaking for the Lord gives nice promises. Isaiah states, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
Can you not see the imagery here? Israel is much desert and imagine how living in a climate like that and having imposed upon your mind a beautiful garden and a spring of water always flowing unto you and your family. Never worrying about drought and thirst. Spiritually never hungering or thirsting. It is beautiful!
In the fast we are seeking special blessings and needs for ourselves and others. But in letting us know what He will give He warned that we have to remember the poor, to clothe and feed them. We can not simply go without a meal or two and say repetitious prayers but we are to give of what we would have spent to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
The church to which I belong has put in place a great way for me to reach those in need with my offerings, but I must admit that at times those offerings were meager compared to my blessings. I must also confess that at times I really took no thought to the sacredness of the act thus forgoing the real communion that I sought.
While reading this chapter tonight I have sought to be more mindful of those who have not and to really be mindful of how thus far he has blessed me also to give of my abundance more generously. I have this night truly caught the spirit of the fast, it is a shame that it has taken so long. May you join me in remembering those who for one reason or another (and it does not matter why or how they got there) are in need. Give of your abundance go without for a short time and lift another. Find a way to give to another this day and you will surely be blessed.
What say ye?
Isaiah 58
