I’m currently 57 hours into my fast. The goal is to get to 72 and ask God if I should go longer. My body feels fine, no dizziness and no hunger. I’ve fasted before for non religious reasons so my body’s a little used to it. However, we are working on the mind and soul for this one. Essentially the point of fasting in Christianity is to get closer to God by “feeding” off of His presence and Word instead of food. When you fast all of your flaws pop to the surface and you can call them out and work on them with God. I happen to be irritable and impatient 48 hours into my fast. The world says it’s totally normal to be irritable while fasting, however God says otherwise.

What God says:

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.  Proverbs 29:11 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.  Proverbs 14:17

Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

If we work on irritability, impatience and the other flaws that surface during a fast, how much easier will it be to handle things when we are not fasting? You say great! So I know I’m not supposed to be easily irritated, but how exactly do I stop?

The first step to change is always the ability to recognize the bad behavior or habit. The sooner it’s recognized and called out the sooner you can repent (turning away from it).

fools give full vent to their rage but the wise bring calm in the end. 

Proverbs 29:11

We want to be wise. Foolish thoughts/actions lead to sin. 

Now this scripture isn’t saying you can’t have emotion but it’s explaining how the foolish choose to express it. 

It’s all about what we choose to feed. If we continue to feed irritability and impatience by confirming its presence every time we do a task, of course we are going feel irritated and impatient. This can lead us to sin.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

The verse above is not just talking about your response to others. You can talk yourself into being angry, lashing out at your partner or kids or engaging in something sinful to “take the edge off”.

So how do we not feed it? Let’s take a look at the example below: 

You’re doing a task, let’s say the laundry. Your baby is fussy and won’t stop crying because she’s in her clingy phase. You’ve already stopped 3 times to tend to her. The thought comes in that you’re frustrated. All you want to do is finish your to do list.

Step 1: RECOGNIZE the emotion (Hint: it’s when you first notice yourself feeling frustrated)

Step 2: DON’T CONFIRM its presence in you by saying/thinking I’m irritable. I’m impatient. Why can’t I get anything done? Ugh! Etc… When you say all this to yourself you are declaring that you are and will be this way. We want to declare the opposite.

Step 3: PRAY! Tell God how you feel/why, ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit. 

Step 4: REBUKE the devil. Sometimes it’s just our own flaws/bad habits but sometimes it’s the devil. So just in case it is, go ahead rebuke him it won’t hurt. 😉

Step 5: REPEAT memorized scripture (see below). If not memorized yet the read and declare them over your mind repeatedly. You can also say things like I am patient, I am slow to anger, I am kind.

That’s it! 

Bonus step: STOP COMPLAINING! Focus on things to be grateful for and that will help renew your mind. I’m not saying you can never share your struggles with your husband and friends, but if you find yourself complaining to them constantly then it’s probably time to stop. If you’re not sure you do this then ask those in your trusted circle and the Holy Spirit. Be prepared for the answer to be yes and don’t be offended. It’s okay! Now you are aware of this habit. You can repent and ask for their help. 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

If you’re anything like me it can take some time to memorize scripture. I suggest writing these scriptures down and putting them up in places around your home. My prayer wall is next to my couch.

Now here’s the thing about renewing the mind. You may not feel any different the first few times you practice this. Just continue to practice choosing to respond to your irritability with Gods truth. Give yourself grace for when you make mistakes. It’s only a matter of time for your first and natural response to be wise rather than foolish. 

More on what God says:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:17

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Mathew 6:33

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8