Fasting From the World Around You

Not too long ago, I came down with a mild stomach bug. It wasn’t terrible, but it was enough to make me want to reconsider if and what I was going to eat. Initially, I didn’t want to take in any food at all. After some time had passed and I was feeling better, I was ready to eat more, but I was very selective about what I chose to eat. I wanted small portions and simple, bland foods that were easy to digest. After practicing these changes for a while and seeing that I could tolerate what I consumed, I gradually increased my intake and eventually returned to my normal diet. 

Lately, my emotional state has felt a lot like that stomach virus. The constant stream of news, online arguments, and the suffering I see was leaving me feeling unsettled–almost sick inside. The pain of the world was seeping into my soul, and it was becoming more than I could tolerate. 

Just as my body sometimes needs gentler foods, my heart and mind also require gentler inputs at times. When I was sick to my stomach, I first fasted and then gradually switched to bland foods. These changes allowed my stomach to heal. There are times when I need to make these same types of changes for my mental health–changing what and how I consume mentally and emotionally–allowing my heart to find its footing again. 

Currently, I have chosen to “fast” from the heavy things: endless news cycles, social media, and draining conversations. I have been cautious about what I take in, realizing my need for gentler inputs. Uplifting books and calming music have been good medicine. Conversations that are nourishing rather than depleting have been a balm to my spirit. Most of all, time being still and quiet with the Lord has been restorative. 

When our bodies are ill, we use wisdom in caring for ourselves. Usually, rest, eating wisely, and time will allow for healing. Knowing how to care for a weary heart isn’t as straightforward. It’s much easier to know how to care for a sick stomach, but the same principles apply to our hurting hearts. We should give our mind and spirit the same care we give to our body when time and space are needed for recovery. 

If what you have been taking in has you feeling unwell, consider changing your intake. Consume less. Consume differently. Ask God for wisdom in helping you know what to take in. 

This doesn’t mean closing yourself off from the world permanently. It means taking a pause. It means creating space for your soul to breathe and recover. It means filling it with things that are good and life-giving.  

You never know what new, nourishing things you will come across that will be good medicine to strengthen you for the road ahead.  

Phil 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”