Reflection Questions:

  1. What is the difference between self-denial and self-rejection?

  2. How does self-denial and not self-rejection lead us to greater dependence and joy in God?

  3. What are some ways that God is calling you to deny yourself in this season? 

Spiritual Practice: Fasting

Fasting is a practice that invites us to lay down an appetite as an act of self-denial in order to attend to God in dependence and prayer. It reminds us of the words of Jesus as he was being tried in the wilderness that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4 NIV)

Choose one day this week to fast from food (if your health allows) or perhaps from something else like news, social media, entertainment or shopping. Consider it as a time to depend on God for His provision or His sovereignty. Let it be a time of self-denial as a means to commune with God and let Him satisfy your needs and desires.