Written by Danielle Hage
READ
Psalm 92:12-15 (NKJV)
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
For many, this past year has been tough on finances, health and/or family matters. You may have experienced the loss of a job, a home and/or family members. While the world seems to have been faced with better times, you have committed to fasting and praying to commence this new year and declare that God have His way and His will for you this year. Fasting and praying through unfavorable circumstances will keep you planted, ground your roots deep in your faith and walk with God. Palm trees flourish in less that ideal climates for most plants–extreme heat, little to no water, severe storms with high winds–but their roots are planted deep in the ground to gain access to the water they need and their trunk and bark have give to it so the trees can bend without breaking in a storm. Beginning your year by fasting together as a church further plants you in the house of the Lord and throuh your fast and prayers, you will strengthen your faith in God. He is righteous and wants you to flourish, even when your job, family, health or economics are negatively affected by your current worldly situations. When Daniel fasted, he was given a vision of a restored Jerusalem and new building, “even in troublesome times” (Daniel 9:25). God’s righteousness is greater than any economic downfall or troubled times and He has promised your life bear fruit because of Him and Him alone.
Further Reading:
Daniel 9:25 (NKJV)
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall; even in troublesome times.”
REFLECT
Begin your new year by leaving some things behind in 2015. What are you believing for in 2016 and matching your faith with your prayers for during the 21 Day Fast? Is it a turnaround, provision or restored relationships? Have you found yourself asking, or even blaming God for less than ideal circumstances, either in your life, or the lives of others? Reflect on the end of our verse passage, Psalm 92:15: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
RESPOND
Identify what is stable in your life, where you know God has blessed you and has a hand on your life. Pray for your eyes to be opened to His righteousness in all situations in your life. How will you continue to plant, deepen your roots in Him, to allow for promised blessings and flourishing this year? Respond in the comments below.
We recommend you keep a journal of your personal responses to questions posed in each of the daily devotionals so you can meditate not only during the first 21 days during your prayer time, but you can reflect throughout the entire year to be able to see how God has really moved on your behalf in 2016 and you have record of your testimony.