Fasting for Peace: A Lenten Reflection

There’s something sacred about giving something up—especially when you’re not even sure what you’ll gain in return. I’m not at the finish line yet, but somewhere along this journey of surrender, I’ve started to feel the shift. Less clutter in my soul. Less noise in my head. And surprisingly, more peace than I expected.

During Lent, we reflect on Jesus’ path to the cross. It’s a time to return to center—to strip away distractions and quiet the chaos. For many, that means fasting.

Fasting isn’t just about food. It’s about focus. It’s about saying no to something so you can say yes to Christ. For some, that might mean skipping a meal. For others, it might mean carving out time that would usually be spent on entertainment or busyness and giving that time to prayer, reflection, or scripture.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:16-18 not to fast for show, but to do it in secret, where our Father sees and rewards us. In Matthew 17:21, depending on the translation, we also see the connection between prayer, fasting, and casting out deep-rooted strongholds—showing us the power and necessity of fasting in the spiritual realm.

I used to think fasting was only about dietary restriction or losing weight. But God is teaching me that fasting is more than what you don’t consume—it’s about what you make room for.

Some people give up meat, sugar, caffeine, or even screen time. Others might add something meaningful—daily devotionals, acts of kindness, or extra moments in scripture. If you have health concerns or restrictions, fasting doesn’t need to look like skipping meals. It could be fasting from television, negativity, complaining, comparison, or fear. Anything that’s been taking space where God belongs is worth setting down.

That’s what this season has been for me. Letting go of the things that poison my peace. Choosing stillness over noise. Truth over convenience. Prayer over performance. I’ve been desperate for clarity. Craving a connection with God that feels fresh, not filtered through distraction.

And when I quiet everything else, I start to hear Him again. A whisper in the middle of my doubt. A reminder that I’ve never walked alone, even when I’ve wandered.

I still feel broken most days. I still get tangled up in old thought patterns and battles for approval. But maybe my brokenness isn’t a curse. Maybe it’s the very thing that keeps me coming back to the cross. It’s the thorn that reminds me how much I need a Savior.

That’s the beauty of Lent. It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about being willing to draw closer to the One who does.

So, this Easter, I fast for peace. I fast to be realigned. I fast not to earn anything, but to remember everything that’s already been given.

Jesus didn’t run from the cross—He walked toward it. For me. For you.

And in this season, I will continue to walk towards Him. Grateful for the love and sacrifice He gave to us all.

SK-

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