Holy Habit 3 – Fasting from Distractions

Richard Swenson, “Margin”         

Park – prayer, reflection, journaling. 

Low – friendships, connection. 

Drive – work, productivity, chores, errands. 

Overdrive – deadlines we must meet, stress of expectations, pressures.

Matthew 6:16

¹⁶ “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 

“When you give” Matthew 6:2

“When you pray” Matthew 6:5

“When you fast” Matthew 6:16

Matthew 6:17

¹⁷ But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 

Matthew 6:18

¹⁸ so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Central Truth: In fasting, we abstain from something physical in order to pursue something spiritual. 

Application – Three Types of Fasts

1. Fast from food

Types of Food Fasts

-Absolute Fast

-Water Fast

-Partial Fast

2. Fast from technology

3. Fast from extracurricular activities

4 Red Flags that You Might Need to Fast from Something

1. This thing leads to emotional or physical fatigue as manifested in: irritability, inability to enjoy other activities, complaining about practices, or difficulty motivating them to practice or prepare.

2. This thing leads to financial stress as manifested in: difficulty budgeting or giving, no financial margin.

3. This thing leads to friction or division within relationships.

4. This thing leads to an inability to pay attention to Jesus and people. It dominates your attention.