“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.

‛ânâh nephesh

In the Hebrew, the word ‛ânâh 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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“I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice, That I may cause those who love me to inherit [true] riches and that I may fill their treasuries.” (Proverbs 8:20-21 AMP)

It just doesn’t get any plainer than Proverbs chapter 8.  The chapter begins with Wisdom (personified) calling out to any who will listen — offering her instruction, her words and her benefits to one and all.

As the chapter progresses, we gain further insight into who Wisdom really is. She was “present” with God at the moment of creation. She was “brought forth” at the beginning of His “way” before His “acts.” In other words, she emerges from the very essence of God and represents His ways.

You may remember that the children of Israel knew His acts, but Moses knew his “ways.”  God has always offered His Wisdom to those who would incline their ear — reach out for it, listen for it, intently pursue it.

Isn’t it interesting that among the very clear benefits of hearing and obeying the Wisdom of God are, “riches and honor… enduring wealth and righteousness?” (Proverbs 8:18 AMP)  For some of us, it would still seem that being righteous or having right standing with God would make it impossible to have wealth and riches (God’s words, not mine!)… and vice versa!

But acting according to Wisdom will fill your treasuries.

Obviously, pursuing Wisdom — especially as described in this chapter — requires that we pursue God and His ways as our first priority. But just as night follows day, we should expect that we experience substantive improvement in our lives as a result. It reminds me of what Jesus said:

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33 AMP)

Don’t be ashamed to expect financial increase when you are pursing God and His ways with abandonment.

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Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (Psalms 35:27 NKJV)

I don’t know about you, but ever since I can remember, it has always been in my heart to please God. I am truly thankful for the heart that is in me to please Him.  It’s not something that I can really take any credit for. There’s a tender something in me towards Him.

Sure, at times, it has been less influential over my thoughts or my actions. At times, disappointments and discouragements may have caused me to move away from it to a greater or lesser degree.  OK, that’s not fair.  Nothing can “cause” me to move away from it… but I may have chosen to do so due to my poor reactions at times to life’s blows.

But regardless of what may or may not have been… my heart is toward God. Is yours?  Do you want to please Him?

I do.

And it’s like a warm soothing balm to know that He gets pleasure out of the prosperity of His people.

Before you jump on me for sucker-punching you on this one, think about what the Scripture says at the beginning of this post.  Did I take it out of context? A little. Does that change its meaning? Not at all.  In fact, if you read the rest of Psalm 35, you’ll find out that what David was saying was actually much stronger than what I am saying.

One quick note: “prosperity” in this verse is the Hebrew word shalom.  I’ve done a lot of studying about this word over the years and I can tell you that its true meaning is “overall well-being.”  It represents a state of wholeness, of peace, of prosperity, of abundance, of safety, of soundness.  It isn’t just financial in nature, but it definitely includes the financial side of life.

So… if you’re wondering today about whether it’s a good idea for you and/or your business to be successful… think about pleasing God.

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, (2 Corinthians 2:14 AMP)

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