The Law of the Fast

This is my limited interpretation of the amazing talk Jen gave in Sacrament meeting on Sunday on the Law of the Fast. I wish you all could have been there! She said it so beautifully.

Before you read on, I would suggest you read Isaiah 58!

“…they seek me daily…”

“…and delight to know my ways…”

“…delight in approaching God."

"Wherefore have we fasted." 

From these scriptures, we can conclude that the children of Israel at this time were consistent in participating with the spiritual rituals of scripture study, prayer, and fasting.

And yet the Lord sends His servant to show His children their transgression- they have not appropriately been keeping the law of the fast. 

When they fast, they...

-take pleasure in their own interests and activities instead of doing the Lord's will

-are not kind to others and end up quarreling

-fast without spiritual motivation, which causes discomfort and irritability

The Lord then reveals the type of fast that He has chosen. A fast that...

 -Loosens the bands of wickedness: Jen stated that this sounds like a process, rather than an immediate release from our sins. 

Elder Worthlin:

“Fasting and prayer can help develop within us courage and confidence. It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions.”

 -Releases ourselves and other from heavy burdens, and lets the oppressed go free: Jen gave the following definition of oppression- "The feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions or people, and anxiety." She stated that we all have probably experiences these feelings before and suggested that we are not only to release others from their heavy load, but to enjoy the fast as a way to help free us from our own yoke.

Helaman 3:34-35:
“And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction. Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling theirs souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts to God.”

-Encourages us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked: Part of the law of the fast is paying a generous fast offering.

Elder Worthlin:

“When we fast, brethren and sisters, we feel hunger. And for a short time, we literally put ourselves in the position of the hungry and the needy. As we do so, we have greater understanding of the deprivations they might feel. When we give to the bishop an offering to relieve the suffering of others, we not only do something sublime for others, but we do something wonderful for ourselves as well. King Benjamin taught that as we give of our substance to the poor, we retain “a remission of [our] sins from day to day.”

-Involves spending time with family

These are the blessings that the Lord promises to those who fast in His way, rather than just as a monthly habit:

-You and your life will be full of light

-You will have better health

-It will be accounted unto you as righteousness

-The Lord will be with and protect you continuously

-You will receive answers to your prayers

-Your soul will be satisfied, even in times of trouble

-Your posterity will be blessed