Fasting in Response to Mourning

Fasting and Prayer Series - Fasting in Response to Mourning

Therefore David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

2 Samuel 1:11-12

David and all the men who were with him fasted in response to the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan, for the people of Israel and the country as a whole. Fasting can be in response to a tragic incident in our lives or the lives of those we love and care about. 

Fasting can be done by one person, a family, group of people, church, and nation. 

After years of service, love, betrayal, and faithfulness - David had to face the death of his King and the death of his dearest friend. 

David then wrote a song:

Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jasher: “The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon— Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

O mountains of Gilboa, Let there be no dew nor rain upon you, Nor fields of offerings. For the shield of the mighty is cast away there! The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, From the fat of the mighty, The bow of Jonathan did not turn back, And the sword of Saul did not return empty. “Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions. “O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, Who clothed you in scarlet, with luxury; Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. “How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was slain in your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me; Your love to me was wonderful, Surpassing the love of women. “How the mighty have fallen, And the weapons of war perished!

2 Samuel 1:17-27 NKJV 

Saul had spent years trying to kill David yet 

• David mourned Saul like a father 
• David spared his life when there was an opportunity to take it
• In this song, David honored the same man who hunted him, threw spears at him, and was envious of him
• David took his place as King with humbleness and God's anointing

God is with us in our mourning, our grieving.

Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

While we mourn the deaths of friends and loved ones there are other times we mourn. We mourn the death of a relationship, a marriage, of a future we once thought we would have, extreme health diagnosis.  God is with us while we mourn, He is our comforter. And while mourning may endure for a season, His joy will always come.

Psalm 30:11 (NKJV)

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)

18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 60:20 (NKJV)

20 Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the LORD will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended.

Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Lord, thank you for Your Love and Comfort. Thank You for being here with us while we mourn the things in our life that have been lost. Show us Your Hope, Peace, Comfort, and let us feel Your Loving Arms. Our eyes are on You as we take each breath and face each moment. God, You are All we need.

Thank you for the future and hope.

In Jesus Name 

Amen

Join James River Church in their fast. You can do it at the same time as the church or anytime God leads you. https://jamesriver.church/   https://jamesriver.online/21days/