It might sound odd to connect fasting and joy together.  The quest for God’s direction is intense enough that it is only natural and joyful to forgo food or other comforts.  When we enter into a fast with God as the desire of a lover’s heart, food comforts lose their appeal until our appetite for Him is sated!  “All who seek the Lord will praise Him.  Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.” Psalm 22:26, NLT

The 21 day fast at Woodland is a time for us to seek the Lord.  In fasting and prayer we will be changed by God’s love and presence.  The change is not so that God will love us, He will change because He loves us!  As a child we sang a song with these lyrics.  “He touched me and O the joy that floods my soul.  Something happened and now I know.  He touched me and made me whole.”[i] Let’s seek the Lord with fasting and faith!

The joy of fellowship with the Lord, the assurance of His guidance is one more natural reason that we fast.