Some were sick through their sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and God saved them from their distress;
God’s word was sent to heal them,
and delivered them from destruction.
Psalm 107:17-20
Fast: from denial
Yesterday’s reflection focused on sin and the healing forgiveness offered by God through our truthful confession. Where else can you train that truth-telling? You might not have the Israelites’ poisonous serpents lurking in your neighborhood, but perhaps you face a toxic environment at work, your family dynamic is draining you, or your church community is struggling. Unlike the sins we confessed yesterday, these things that are hurting us aren’t necessarily our fault. But they, too, may need an honest reckoning in order for healing to be possible.
Reckoning is challenging. We don’t like to admit that the family schedule is unsustainable. We don’t like to admit when our bosses or coworkers make us feel ashamed or small. We don’t like to admit when the people around us are stealing our joy, and we don’t like to admit when we run out of resources to deal with the pain. Healing can only begin when we truthfully perceive the situations that are poisoning us.
Today, fast from denial. Name the situations that are hurting you and the ways they cause you pain, even if they are only known to you and to God. Notice how your body feels afterward.