We humble ourselves through fasting!
Moses recorded by THE SPIRIT in Leviticus chapter 16:
29 “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls by fasting, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you.
30 For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
31 It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.
This day is known as Yom Kippur and the Jewish brethren have observed this day no matter where they were located. When GOD said to afflict your souls, HE meant “fast”.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 27:
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,
Yom Kippur was known as “the Fast” even in Paul’s time. Fasting is going without food for Spiritual purposes.
To afflict means to subdue, to humble, to humiliate. GOD requires that we humble, subdue and humiliate our souls. FATHER attaches tremendous importance to this act.
The soul is where “I” is located, also known as the ego. It is made up of the mind, will, and emotions. It says: I think, I will, I want. It is very arrogant and self-assertive in every one of us.
Arrogance is overbearing pride or haughtiness. It is the opposite of being humble. If exaggerates one’s own worth or importance, often showing an offensive attitude of superiority. This clearly describes the ego.
FATHER tells us if we really want HIS blessing, we must subdue that arrogant, self-assertive ego in every one of us. This necessitates us to fast.
King David wrote by THE SPIRIT in Psalm chapter 35:
13 But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth (in mourning); I humbled my sou with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.
David understood the need to fast, especially when his enemies were at hand. He learned to humble his soul. Every successful servant of THE LORD must learn to humble his or her soul.
Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1st Peter chapter 5:
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the Mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
It is vital that we humble our souls if we are to completely fulfill our individual callings. If you are unsure about your calling, fast and pray which will allow you to hear from FATHER concerning your calling. If you seem hindered in fulfilling your calling, fast and pray. FATHER will direct your steps so that HE may exalt you in due time. Exalt you to what? To the fulfillment of your calling!
When David heard of Saul’s death, what did he do?
It is written by THE SPIRIT in 2nd Samuel chapter 1:
11 Therefore David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.
12 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.
Before Israel could recover from defeat, David and his men fasted. This set the stage for Israel’s recovery, reunion, and victory.