“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you.”
(Leviticus 16:29)
This particular turn of phrase is truly fascinating. It occurs throughout the Old Testament, turning up in interesting places. At first glance, it doesn’t make much sense to the Western reader of English translations.
“›aÌ‚naÌ‚h nephesh
In the Hebrew, the word “›aÌ‚naÌ‚h means “to humble, afflict, be humiliated, weaken oneself.” Nephesh is the word for “soul” or “living being” used frequently in the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis as God created the living beings and eventually breathed the breath of life into the clay he formed. It resulted in a “living soul” that God named “Adam.”
Used together, these two words form a Hebrew idiom or euphemism of sorts meaning, “to fast.”
If you’ve ever explored the connection between the body and the soul, you’ll know that there are lots of fascinating questions. Can the body live apart from the soul? What is the difference between the brain and the mind? Are our memories actually stored in cells?
Regardless, however, of where the lines between the two get drawn, one thing is clear: they are connected. And nothing illustrates this more perfectly than the principles of fasting. By denying oneself in one area (in this case: food), one is actually afflicting or humbling his entire person. If you apply this phrase to the more Greek concept of the soul as the “mind, will, & emotions,” it becomes even more interesting. What, if anything, competes more with the human spirit (not to mention the Holy Spirit) for clarity in our lives than our “soul?”
A Time to Fast
Given the current economic situation, the rapidly-changing business environment, and the general uncertainty that pervades much of what is familiar in this season, it is perhaps more obvious than usual just how desperately we need to actively listen to the Source of all Wisdom.
I typically like to start out the year by setting vision, striving for clarity and focus, and re-evaulating almost everything. But since the soul can be such a cluttered place — full of plans, regrets, desires, dreams, wishes and wants — this process can prove to be difficult. This year more than ever, I really don’t want to follow the leading of my own thoughts and desires. I want God’s thoughts and desires.
I knew it was going to require some additional effort. So imagine my delight when my good friend called a fast for all those associated with the congregation he pastors. And he evidently wasn’t playing games either — he called a 21-day fast. He’s using some wisdom — giving people options regarding specifically how they intend to carry it out, breaking it up into phases (liquids only, a “Daniel” fast, etc.), and even distributing some information regarding medical risks and so forth. Nevertheless, it’s a 3-week period of “afflicting the soul.”
I don’t know about you, but my soul can use some “afflicting.” I want to demote my own thinking, reasoning, and ill-informed perspective (at least relative to the viewpoint that my Father holds). I want to weaken the grip that my dysfunctions and personal ambitions have on my present and future.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8 AMP)
After all, He knows what’s coming… how to be prepared… and what to do better than anyone. And He is not silent. I just tend to have too much interfering with my “reception.” I’m determined to clear the air so I can hear from Him accurately.
Care to join me?
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Ah, that He knows what's coming. Comfort in that. Comfort in his steadiness.
Truly.
Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Great word, bro. The other part about "not doing any work at all" is just as important, because if there's one thing that can take my mind of my hunger, it's work. Take away food AND work...
I think that's God's point. We are definitely in a time where it is vital that we re-focus, re-new, and hear clearly.
Thanks for sharing!
R<
Oh boy. You're right on there. All kinds of discipline connected to this...
I've done a 40 day Daniel fast before. It was intense. And I've never enjoyed a burger as much as I did at the end of that fast. Also it was expensive.
So, I assume you are on the other side of the fast now? How did it go?
Marcus,
I've never gone 40 days -- even on a Daniel fast. My more typical thing to do is 7 days with no food. I tend to stick to water and... (I know, I know) coffee. What can I say?
Anyway my tradition is to end the 7 days with a steak. It's brutally expensive... but man is it sweet!
This fast was good. Not everything went exactly as planned, but the bottom line is that I feel like we have some much-needed, solid direction moving into 2009. And I'm hungrier than ever to see the Kingdom come. (Pun fully intended)
Thanks for asking!
Is this something that has to be done,sitting with your head bowed or lying down.
how do you go about afficting your soul? and for how long does it have to last to be affective?
There is a vast distinction between the soul and the body. The mind affects the body both negatively and positively. The body reacts to the mind. Religion is based on belief. Belief is a function of the mind. God knew that man had a conscience and to bear sin on one's conscience was of more import that ridding the body of food! Man cannot evaluate the conscience but can fathom the physical fasting. Conveniently, as in many other religious changes by man of God's commandments, fasting has come to the fore. It is much easier to fast one day than to bear sin in one's conscience.
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A fantastic post, thanks for sharing, I got some clarity for myself reading it.
Just a thought I would like to share with you... I have been striving for the right path this last year, and the more I trust in and think about God, the better I am feeling. I have recently learned however that the mind can often get in the way of a true connection with God. My mind is constantly throwing up problems, worries and fears that get in the way. The more I am able to meditate, the more I realise that it is my soul that is linked with God, and that when I finally manage to still my mind I am blessed with a very positive, calming feeling and an understanding of my true purpose. If we can fast, afflict our mind and ban any thoughts from taking over, then I think we can afflict our mind and body, leaving the soul open to connect with the divine.
Someone gave me a tip on successful meditation and how to stop my mind from intervening with constant thoughts..... Imagine your mind is the sky, beautiful and blue and clear. When a thought creeps into your head, imagine it as a cloud. The cloud can take a hold of your blue sky, it can be right above you waiting to burst...maybe it will burst and rain down on you. Just wait until the cloud is done...observe it, watch it, then move it on, letting it drift away out of your blue sky. Observe your thoughts, then let them go. If we let our problems, worried and fears go the mind is not in control, our soul is.
Much love to anyone that cared to read this, I hope you find some use in this concept, as I have.
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you found this post useful... and we appreciate the tip for banishing unwanted thoughts so we can stay focused on the thinking that produces Godly fruit in our lives!
Blessings...