Fasting For Focus: A Season of Seeking God’s Presence and Character
As I started the year, I felt on top of the world—vision clear, purpose defined, and a heart full of anticipation for what was to come. I felt aligned, strong, and ready to take on anything. But, as is often the case in life, the highs didn’t last, and what followed in the last month has been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster.
Doubts, fears, and uncertainty have flooded my mind, leaving me feeling mentally and spiritually at war. Fears of abandonment, rejection, and not measuring up have resurfaced with a fierceness I didn’t expect. This has led to a deep internal struggle. What I thought was going to be a smooth transition into this new year has turned into a fight for clarity, peace, and the assurance that I’m walking in God’s will.
In the midst of all this emotional turbulence, I realized something profound: I needed to fast. But not just from food—this time, I needed to fast from the things I usually turn to for comfort and distraction. It was time to step away from the noise, create space for God to speak to me, and lean into His presence. I needed to focus. I needed to figure out what parts of His character I needed most in this season.
The Overwhelm and Anxiety
The past few weeks have felt overwhelming. The emotional rollercoaster has been intense—one minute, I feel like I’m on top of the world, and the next, I feel completely out of control. Anxiety creeps in when I least expect it, and I find myself questioning everything: What’s next? Am I making the right choices? What if I’m not enough? What if I’m missing God’s will for my life?
The constant flood of “what ifs” is exhausting, and it’s been hard to keep my peace. I’ve noticed that my mind has been a battleground, and I haven’t been able to find any kind of quiet or peace within myself. It’s like the world around me is too loud, and all the voices—internal and external—are drowning out what I need to hear most: God’s voice.
I also realized that I needed to monitor what I was consuming—what I see, hear, and listen to. The noise of social media, news, and even casual distractions were feeding into my anxiety. The more I allowed these things to fill my mind, the more the doubts and fears multiplied. So, I’ve made a conscious effort to limit the things I watch and listen to. I needed to create space to quiet my mind and heart, and fasting from distractions has been a step toward that.
The Daily Act of Surrender
One thing I’ve learned is that surrender is not a one-time decision but a daily act of choosing to trust God. It’s opening my hands each day, releasing my fears, doubts, and desires to Him, and trusting that He has me, even when everything feels uncertain.
I want so badly to know what’s next and to have the answers now, but I’ve realized that trusting in God’s timing means that I don’t have to have it all figured out right now. I have to surrender my need for control and trust that He is working in the background, even when I can’t see the full picture. My hands need to remain open, ready to receive whatever God has for me, even if I don’t fully understand it yet.
This daily surrender is hard, especially when I don’t know what He’s doing, but I’m learning to rest in His presence and trust His process. It’s about letting go of anxiety and choosing peace in the midst of uncertainty.
A Shift in My Focus
At the beginning of the year, I felt like the verse God had given me was Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This felt so fitting for the new year, a reminder that God is with me in everything—no matter how challenging or overwhelming things may seem.
But over the past month, as I’ve faced this emotional upheaval, God has been “yelling” a different set of Scriptures to me. One of the biggest ones has been Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
I laugh a little at how this verse keeps coming to mind, especially the part about not leaning on my own understanding. That’s exactly where I’ve been—trying to figure it all out on my own and making myself anxious in the process. I’ve had to learn to stop leaning on my own limited perspective and simply trust God’s perfect timing and plan.
God has also been reminding me of Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." This verse has been a gentle yet powerful reminder that God is good, that He has a purpose for my life, and that His plans for me are far greater than I could ever imagine. Even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty, I can trust that He is leading me toward something greater.
Why Fasting?
Fasting has been my way of saying, "God, I need You more than anything else." It’s not about the act itself but about creating space for God to move in my heart. This fast isn’t about food—this time, it’s about fasting from distractions and focusing on what matters most: my relationship with Him.
In the quiet, I’ve been asking God to reveal more of Himself to me. I want to know Him in ways I never have before—His peace, His strength, His love. I want to experience His character in a deeper way because I know that’s what will sustain me through this season.
What I’m Learning from This Fast
This fast is teaching me more about surrender and trust than anything else. I’m learning that God’s character is unchanging, even when my emotions are all over the place. I’m learning to lean into Him and trust that He knows what He’s doing, even when I don’t have the answers.
This is also a season of learning to be still, to quiet the noise, and to allow God to speak. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. I’m trusting that through this fast, I’m being prepared for what’s ahead, even though I don’t know what that is yet.
Why the Attacks?
As much as I’ve been facing these emotional struggles, I truly believe that God is preparing me for something greater. I believe that the challenges and attacks I’m facing are a direct result of the next season He is preparing me for. The enemy often intensifies his efforts when we are on the brink of something significant.
These attacks—the doubts, fears, and the internal battles—are a part of the refining process. God is stretching me, building my faith, and strengthening my resolve. I know that if I press into Him during this time, I’ll be more prepared for what’s ahead. Even though it’s hard, I trust that this season of tension and struggle is shaping me into the woman He has called me to be.
Next Steps
As I continue this fast until Easter (and beyond), I’m committed to seeking God more intentionally. I know that clarity will come in time, but for now, I’m focusing on His presence and trusting that He will lead me through this uncertain season.
I encourage anyone who feels like they’re in a similar place—emotionally drained, uncertain, or at war within themselves—to consider taking a step of faith through fasting. It’s not about the outward act but about creating space to encounter God in a real and powerful way.
Whatever season you’re in, remember that God is always near. His timing is perfect, His plans are good, and He is always faithful. I may not have all the answers yet, but I know that in this season of fasting and seeking, I’m growing closer to the One who holds all the answers.
With Love,
Leandra
