SOAP 11/30/2015; Psalm 109:24

Today's reading: Romans 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "²⁴ My knees are weak from fasting,
And my flesh has grown lean, without fatness."

Psalm 109:24 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 109

O) David was betrayed by many people, including some of his own children, and this psalm was written in response to betrayal. There is actually a prophetic correlation to Judas (see v.8 and Acts 1:20), although we don't know exactly who David meant in his time. But, as we continue to read and come upon the verse above, we see that David's commitment to God, in prayer and fasting, remains steady. He understood very well, how any person could turn on any person, at a moments notice. Betrayal was not strange to him, even personally, since he had betrayed Uriah the Hittite. So, he also understood very well, that the only reliable, unchanging, trustworthy relationship he had, was with the LORD Himself. So, as with many of his difficult times, David turned to God in prayer and fasting, worship and praise. There is probably hyperbole at work in the verses above, but maybe not as much as some might presume. After all, when his first child by Bathsheba fell ill (see 2 Samuel 12:15), he fasted for seven days. There is no reason to doubt that he might fast as long again, or longer, when facing other betrayals against himself.

A) This verse struck me, because of two things. First, that David was willing to fast so far past discomfort, to even become detrimental to his physical self. This is an example f selflessness (denying his body necessary food) that is repeatable. I should be willing (given cause) to fast until it hurts. Not just missing a meal, and not just fasting for a day so that I am uncomfortable. But when occasion strikes, I should be willing to fast multiple days in order to devote myself to prayer for a cause greater than my own (although, some might argue David had selfish motives, I'd say it was still a matter of leading God's people in righteousness). The second thing, is that David was transparent with God about how hard it was. Really, this borders on complaint (as David was sometimes wont to do), but it was about baring his heart to God. I don't tend to complain much, but could it be that it's also because I don't do much that is hard? Maybe I need to challenge myself to a higher standard, and maybe I'll border complaining, too. Fasting is not about achievements. Fasting is not a hunger strike to get what I want. But, in times of distress, when I really need to focus my prayers because I know that only the miraculous finger of God will meet the need, then I should be willing to fast until my knees are weak, and I start shedding weight.

P) Father, Your grace is sufficient for me. I know that You have already completed the most important work. And in fact, You complete all of the work, in the most important sense. Such is the nature of Your grace for us. But, I also know that You invite me to participate in the work of Your kingdom. Fasting has not been part of my work, lately. I want to rededicate myself to fasting regularly, God. I want to use it as a tool for devoted prayer, and spiritual breakthrough and freedom, and selfless love. Give me the courage to fast until it hurts. I want my prayers and fasting to be meaningful, Lord. I know that if it doesn't cost something, it's not worth much. So, I want my times of fasting and prayer to cost me, to cost more than mild discomfort. Give me direction and vision. Increase my faith. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.