Have
mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish
—Psalm
6:2-3a NIV
In the margin of my Bible beside Psalm 6:2-3
is a note. It simply says “June 22, 2012.” Even those nearest me could not
guess what was going on that day. But whenever I see it, I know. Having been
diagnosed the prior year with a chronic lung condition, I had sought a
Naturopathic Doctor to help me get healthier. After working with me several
weeks, she put me on a three-day water fast. The day before the fast, I was to
eat nothing but fresh fruit and vegetables. Then, nothing but water for three
days. She gave me other rules, too. Lots of rest, reading, and reflection. No
driving. Don’t stay alone.
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The first day, I felt hungry. The second
day, I felt hungry and weak. By Day Three, I was convinced I had coincidentally
contracted the flu. Every muscle in my body ached, my head pounded, and I
couldn’t always keep down the water. I couldn’t sleep. Later, I learned these
symptoms can be a normal part of the process when your body rids itself of
toxins. They disappeared once I began to eat, and for the next week, food had
never tasted so delicious. The experience was humbling in a way I had not
predicted. I realized how needy I am for that daily bread I take so for granted.
I came away with a much deeper compassion for those who must fight for every
morsel of food, throughout their lives.
Question for Reflection: What is the longest fast I have done and how did it change me?
