We have begun the Fast of Daniel (click here for more details), and while some of you may already be familiar with this powerful spiritual journey, it’s common for first-timers – and even regular participants – to feel a bit lost at the start. After all, we live in a world filled with countless voices, screens, and distractions, which often leaves us overwhelmed by the constant flow of information, whether we engage with it intentionally or not.
One of the core purposes of this fast is to create space for God to speak to us, guiding and transforming our lives, and to achieve this, it’s essential to enter a state of spiritual concentration that will allow us to hear His voice clearly.
Have you ever tried to hold a conversation while someone else keeps interrupting? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You can’t have a meaningful dialogue when another person’s chatter persists.
This same principle applies to the Fast of Daniel. To truly hear God’s voice, we must silence the voices of the world. You might be wondering, ‘How can I do this?’ To assist you in this challenging but vital task, we have prepared some helpful tips:
- Disconnect to Reconnect
Whenever possible, disable notifications from specific social media platforms and entertainment or news apps. Pop-up alerts can easily divert your focus, and even glimpsing headlines can stick in your mind, distracting you from your spiritual purpose. You might also consider muting certain WhatsApp or Telegram groups that could divert your attention. Taking these steps will help you reconnect with God’s thoughts and allow Him to guide you.
- Fill the Silence with the Word
Silencing the world doesn’t mean sitting alone in silence with an empty mind; it means replacing the meaningless with the meaningful. Feed your mind with the Word of God. Meditate on a verse, a passage, or the story of a biblical character. Allow your spiritual ears to tune in to what God is saying to you personally.
- Guard Your Mind
Philippians 4:8 advises us to focus on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. When our minds are filled with such thoughts, the influence of the world diminishes. Guarding your mind also involves being selective about your conversations and even your internal dialogue. Ask yourself: “Is what I’m focusing on bringing me closer to God, or pulling me away from Him?”
- Create Moments of Stillness
In our fast-paced world, stillness can feel almost countercultural. However, God often speaks in moments of quiet. Take time — even if only for a few minutes – to be alone with Him. Close your eyes, pray and listen. During such quietness, you will hear His voice more vividly, which in turn will help reduce the noise of the world.
Although it may seem challenging initially, as you continue to persevere each day, you will find it easier to minimise the external noise. Consequently, you will become increasingly aware of God’s voice, feeding the soul and renewing the mind. So, let’s put all our strength into it!
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