Fasting

Fasting on the day of atonement reminded the people of their dependence on God. We need to remind ourselves of that dependence. Our need for food means that when we fast, we do get hungry. That hunger reminds us of how dependent we are on God. When we are well fed, we can feel very powerful and independent. Hunger quickly reveals we are not as together as we think we are and we are quickly reminded of my desperate need of grace. Fasting deals a death blow to arrogance and pride and throws us back on God’s faithfulness.