It is officially the first week of FALL! I'm so excited for these next couple months, but dreading the cold and winter. Today when I was reading scriptures I came across a verse in the Book of Mormon I never noticed before and just loved.
It is located in Alma, after a big battle when the armies of Captain Moroni return to their home and families. The thing that struck me is their gratitude. In fact, they FAST as a sincere means of expressing thanks.
"Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy." (Alma 45:1)
I loved the words joy and fasting together and the purpose of their fast.
Also, in Doctrine and Covenants section 59: 13 it says:
"Verily this is fasting and prayer, or in other words rejoicing and prayer."
I think my entire life, I have pretty much always associated fasting with pain and headaches and discomfort. Ask my husband, fasting is super hard for me and always done pretty lackadaisical. I have always been so focused on myself and my stomach or potential bad breath that I haven't found the true joy and blessings that comes through fasting. Also, I have never fasted just because I am thankful it's always been for desired blessings and help. But-- I have soo many blessings and so much to be grateful for. It was a good scripture and lesson for me because fasting can be a sincere way to say thanks and expression of love for God and all he does for us.
I still don't think fasting is fun or easy, but it is commanded each month because it literally brings us closer to God. There are rewards that go way beyond just the relief when it's finally over. It's so easy to let the stomach control thoughts and just to go through the motions but I think as we persevere and continue and pray for understanding and patience and recognize our many blessings we are FILLED.
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