Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"

Lent is a holy Christian season and a period of reflection, soberness and renewal. It is a season of self-denial that precedes the Joy & Power of Easter - the Dawn of Rebirth, New Life and New Hope.

After His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be alone with God, for 40 days, without food, personal comfort, to pray and prepare for His personal ministry and glorious revelation.  In this symbolic and spiritual exercise, Jesus was tried, tempted and tested by the devil - an unrelenting, unseen adversary whose singular purpose is to steal, kill and destroy all that is good, pure, life affirming and righteous.  The wilderness was a place of dryness, isolation and personal sacrifice where Jesus rediscovered His intimacy with God and prepared for His Godly purpose whilst confronted with the real struggles of being a human being - isolation, hunger, exhaustion, weariness, pain and more.  Yet in this period of great vulnerability, Jesus wasn't spared, He was repeatedly tempted by the devil in order to distract Him and draw Him away from God's plan for Him.  Yet at every turn, Jesus responded with a Word of Scripture and a firmer resolve to remain true to His earthly commission.  A triumphant execution of Knowledge, Focus, Spiritual Power & Vision in the face of sheer vulnerability. (Matthew 4:1-11).  This is the exemplary model that Christians reconnect with and remind themselves of during Lent - the Strength and renewing Power of Christ's perseverance and victory through trial. 

Reflection

Some times despite our best prayers and personal Christian practices, we find ourselves stuck in 'dry places', whether through serious illness, emotional struggle, failed relationships, disappointment, stubborn problems, situations and/or loss that might feel like unyielding 'yokes' or 'heavy burdens' that refuse to shift.  Fasting is one of the many disciplines practiced by Christians particularly during Lent that can release greater spiritual clarity and power to break those 'yokes' and renew a person's spirit to press in further.  It is a period of intentional personal sacrifice, self-denial, reflection and deeper self-evaluation to sharpen a person's inner spirit and enable a closer walk with God. 

There are many ways to engage in fasting, if you have never practiced this discipline.  Prayerfully and carefully think about what you want to fast yourself of and consider taking some time out in your hour, day, week or month to deny yourself of your favourite drink, meal, daily past time, simple pleasure, activity, etc.  You cannot do this alone.  Invite the Spirit of God to help you through this endeavour.  Keep this consistent and where possible, allow yourself some marginal gains as you gradually increase your level of sacrifice.   Spend your time in Prayer, Meditation and Bible Study as you do this.  Pick a bible verse or Psalm and think on it.  Meditate on God's Word and recite them until you begin to believe what you are saying and it becomes a mantra.  If possible, add more depth to your period of fasting and take some time out to find a place of solitude and quietness to mediate on God's Words.  Take deep slow breaths.  Inhale slowly to fill yourself with in His Word of Life and exhale slowly to let any negative emotions out of your body.  Repeat as often as the Spirit of God gives you grace to do so, until it becomes a daily habit.  This will help you add some spiritual depth and clarity to your fasting exercise.  God Bless You. 

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17.

John 16:33 

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."