Psalm 35.13 - Fasting

Fasting - literally, the abstaining from food. The Hebrew meaning puts a slightly different perspective by stating the term this way, (6684) "to cover the mouth."

Let us examine the verse which the Psalmist used to choose this word.  

He said, "...I humbled my soul with fasting; and prayer returned to mine own bosom."  

When read in context, one understands the writer of this verse was battling physical and emotional enemies that wanted to destroy him.  Much of what is indicated in this passage has to do with deceitfulness in words.

Why would he choose the practiced spiritual art of "fasting" to fend off his enemies?  The literal answer in his own words is, a "humbled soul."  A soul that would know "prayer returned." Stating the obvious, "where did his prayer go?"

What is the result of a prayerless believer? Fearful thinking which leads to wrong choices and decisions and usually a prideful attitude towards things of the Lord.

 What difference does prayer make in your life? James 5.16 explains "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

There are many verses dedicated to prayer and praying (Phil 4.6,7; Col 4.2; Mark 11.4; Ps 145.18...) and why a believer should make it a constant, daily habit and the first choice instead of the last choice. But, why is fasting and prayer covered in the same sentence?

The writer of this scripture told us that he "humbled his soul with fasting." In my experience, everything slows down when there is no food for energy in this corrupt flesh. Life has a clarity, I believe, may only be found in fasting.  Once in my life I fasted for three days.  Did anything change?  Not immediately. Did I "slow down?" Not really. Did I receive any revelation or leadership from the Lord? No.  The third day I broke the fast but didn't need to because food had became secondary.  I was not hungry.  The desire for such an earthly need went away.  I made a conscious decision to break the fast but it taught me one thing; "Greater is He that is in you..." (I Jn 4.4)  I believe I could have gone longer but didn't.

Did "fasting" humble my heart?  Actually, due to the circumstances of life at the time, prayer was indeed paramount.  There was a moment during this intense time in life as I prayed I felt the arms of the Lord cover me so gently and lovingly that somehow I knew everything would turn out alright. I have not experienced such a physical move of God on my soul in that way before or since.  

I can say beyond doubt, however, "fasting brought peace" to my troubled heart.  

Fasting is a way of denying ourselves in favor of His way and His will. The Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 6.16-18, never to do it for show.  The Lord also explained in Matthew 17.21 that certain circumstances required such self denial.  The apostle Paul had an important decision to make in Acts 13.2 that urgently called for fasting.  There is something far above this mortal realm that is touched by denying oneself in this way.

Whether you do or don't is entirely up to the Lord's leadership and the Holy Ghost urging in your heart.  Remember when the Lord Jesus fasted for forty days in Matt 4.1-11?  Fasting will try your spirit no doubt but it also allows the power of the Anointed One to use you in ways you could never imagine.  Fasting is never about one's personal "spirituality," it is always about Obedience!

My prayer is that you will "humbly" explore this "spiritual tool" for yourself.  My desire is for a humble heart in obedience to Him.

God bless and keep you is my prayer.

P.S. Food isn't the only thing to fast.  I believe you can "fast" on social media or personal desires as well. Do you really need that addition to your (doll, figurine, baseball card...)
collection? Just saying....

Psalm(s)

 Strong's Concordance identifies the word "Psalm" as "properly instrumental music, a poem set to notes."

Websters 1828 dictionary defines "Psalm" as  "a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God.

Currently, this blogger is in chapter 30 of the book of Psalms and morning devotions. This would be the third or fourth read thru the scriptures and it always amazes me at the new things seen each time.  Presently, questions arise after many of the declarations of the Psalmist.

• 
  (19.7) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul... - Is His law perfect to you?
• (19.10) The heavens declare the glory of God... - Do you?
• (20.5) We will rejoice in the Thy salvation and in the name of our God...  - Do you?
• (20.7) Some (trust) in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. - Who/What do you trust?
• (24.1) The earth (is) the Lord's... - What do you claim that belongs to the Lord?
• (25.21) Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; - What/Who "preserves" you?
• (27.6) ...therefore will I offer...sacrifices of joy...I will sing praises unto the Lord - What will you offer Him? Why is "joy" a "sacrifice?"
• (28.7) ...with my song will I praise Him. - How do you praise Him?
• (29.2) Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of HIS holiness. - What do you give Him?
• (30.4) ...give thanks at the remembrance of HIS holiness. - What do you thank Him for?

The apostle Paul also gives insight to the mind of the Lord with questions and lists. (Gal 5.19-21, Rom 1.29-31, Gal 3.2, Rom 8.35)

Maybe you have another way to study scripture.  Personally, this blogger finds defining words from the Hebrew, Greek and Webster's 1828 dictionary profitable for the soul.

Clearly, the Psalmist spent much time meditating on the Lord and all known and discerned about Him, spiritually, physically and emotionally.  The Lord is all that and so much more. When you study the Word correctly it will indeed be like "a song or hymn" to your heart.  Songs or hymns can aid in your darkest moments.

However, dear reader, you choose or have studied scripture until now, DON'T QUIT!  It is the only way to stand against the wickedness of this world and the wicked one's attacks.  ALWAYS rebuke the wicked one when he causes you to question God and the truth of His Word. 

2 Tim 2.15 encourages every believer "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The Psalmist said...

 Although, the authoress of this blog is already into personal devotion in the Psalms, we will continue with chapter 25.21.

"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee."

According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary,

• integrity means entire, unimpaired state of anything, particularly of the mind
• uprightness is honesty, conformity to rectitude (rightness of principle or practice) and justice in social dealings

We all understand right from wrong, although we may not practice the right thing always.  However, the Hebrew translation for "integrity" means completeness.  In my mind this indicates a peace in one's soul to feel "complete" when doing what is true and right in a given circumstance or to another.

"Uprightness" according to the Hebrew translation means just that, 'right.' "Equity" is also used in describing "uprightness."  In other words, one never places oneself above another when "doing the right thing."  It almost seems to declare a humility in the "preservation" of peace in the soul.

Case in point:  In a recent church service an individual was given time and opportunity to present a "children's work" by means of a "dummy" from which ventriloquism was used. One may read the following link to understand how the writer of this blog feels on this. This blogger did not have liberty to get up and walk away, so what does one do?

According to the Psalmist one is to "wait on Thee."  In Matthew 5.25, we are to "agree with (our) adversary quickly..." The individual who "performed" the skit is not my adversary, the church leader would be because it was allowed.  You may think "why is this a big deal, it was for the children." However, another saint who felt the same way wept while the "skit" was being played out.  

When the Holy Ghost is grieved, it touches the heart of a saint.  The solution to "Let integrity and uprightness preserve thee...?" Patience.  Does it need to be addressed?  I believe the church leader should know it upset one of the flock. Yet, patience, to deal with the situation must be exercised to avoid conflict that could disrupt the entire flock, if possible.  So, "quickly" dealing with the situation may still require a bit of patience.  The time must be right for "integrity and uprightness" to prevail.

When you are faced with such a challenge, remember the Psalmist learned as he got older that patience was needed to maintain "integrity and uprightness."  If a situation requires swift action, do it!  If you are allowed a bit of time while the Lord works on the heart on both sides, then wait before acting.

God bless and keep you is our prayer.

First Sunday 2026

 

Spurgeon 

 "Prince of Preachers"

The best of Charles Spurgeon's insight and wise counsel on themes that are as relevant to our day as they were in his day.

 January 4th, 2026

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”— 2 Peter 3:18

“Grow in grace”—not in one grace only, but in all grace. Grow in that root-grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done. Let faith increase in fulness, constancy, simplicity.

Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.

Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness. As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward—having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.

May God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.” He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed. To know him is “life eternal,” and to advance in the knowledge of him is to increase in happiness.

He who does not long to know more of Christ, knows nothing of him yet. Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted.

If you know the love of Jesus—as the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so will you pant after deeper draughts of his love. If you do not desire to know him better, then you love him not, for love always cries, “Nearer, nearer.”

Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven. Rest not then content without an increasing acquaintance with Jesus. Seek to know more of him in his divine nature, in his human relationship, in his finished work, in his death, in his resurrection, in his present glorious intercession, and in his future royal advent.

Abide hard by the Cross, and search the mystery of his wounds. An increase of love to Jesus, and a more perfect apprehension of his love to us is one of the best tests of growth in grace.

My prayer is that you and I will indeed,  "grow in grace..."

Happy New Year!