David’s Fast

“So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!”” ‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭‬‬

“Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”” II Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭‬‬

David wouldn’t eat for seven days, and then his child died. Nathan, the prophet had warned David of the consequences of his sin, committing adultery with Uriah’s wife and then having Uriah murdered. David shared that he was fasting with a very specific purpose. He was hoping God would have compassion on his son. When after seven days of illness, his son died, David stopped fasting.

What can I learn from David’s fast?

Do I have a repentant heart for any sin in my life?

Is there something specific I am asking the Lord for that may require fasting?

Will I keep on trusting and serving the Lord, even if the answer is no?

Lord, help me to keep a repentant heart. Help me to be specific in my requests of You when I fast. Help me to know even if the answer from You is “no” that You are still faithful and You are always good. Amen.