Hey, Beautiful Souls! Today, March 17, 2025, we’re stepping deeper into our “Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia.” Lent is such a sacred time—a season to pause, reflect, and draw near to Jesus. And today, I’m so excited to dive into Psalm 35:13 with you. This verse is a gentle nudge toward humility and fasting, two practices that can transform our hearts as we walk these 40 days together. As Creative Jesus Girls, let’s unpack this scripture, get real with our faith, and sprinkle some creativity into our journey. Grab your journal, and let’s get started!
Psalm 35:13 (NIV) Reads:
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
David’s Heart of Humility
Psalm 35 is David’s raw, honest prayer to God while he’s surrounded by enemies. In verse 13, he zooms in on a moment that stops me in my tracks: when those who’d later betrayed him were sick, he didn’t cheer or turn away. Instead, he put on sackcloth—think itchy, uncomfortable fabric meant for mourning—and humbled himself with fasting. He chose Christian humility over pride, compassion over bitterness. That’s a love that mirrors Jesus.
Lent invites us to this same kind of humility. It’s not always easy to lower ourselves, especially when we’re hurt or overlooked. But David shows us that humility and fasting can be acts of worship—ways to say, “God, You’re in charge, not me.” Where’s Jesus calling you to let go of pride this season? Maybe it’s in a strained relationship or a quiet act of service no one will see. Whatever it is, it’s a step toward Him.
Fasting as a Faith Reset
David didn’t just wear sackcloth; he paired it with prayer and fasting. In his day, fasting was a way to seek God’s heart, whether for repentance, guidance, or intercession. During Lent, it’s our chance to hit reset—to peel back the layers of distraction and lean into Jesus. And here’s the thing: fasting isn’t about earning God’s favor; it’s about making space for Him.
The Bible is full of fasting flavors. Esther called a three-day absolute fast—no food, no water—before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). It was desperate and bold, and God moved. Then there’s the partial fast, like in Isaiah 58, where God calls for justice alongside sacrifice. Today, a Daniel fast might mean swapping burgers for quinoa and kale—tough, but doable! Each type has its place, and Lent’s a perfect time to experiment.
Fasting during Lent isn’t just a tradition—it’s a reset button for our souls. If you’re unsure where to start, try this: pick one day a week to skip lunch, then sit with a Psalm (like 35!) and a cup of water instead. Let hunger nudge you toward prayer. Over time, you might try a 24-hour fast—just broth and juice—always listening to your body and God’s nudge. The beauty is in the intention: it’s less about what you give up and more about what you gain—clarity, closeness, peace.
You don’t have to go big. Maybe pair your fast with a prayer focus, like peace in a messy situation. I’ve found that fasting sharpens my ears to hear God—like tuning a radio to cut through static. What could it unlock for you? Whether it’s a full day or one skipped snack, it’s a step toward Jesus’ heart. What matters is the why: to humble ourselves and refocus. When David fasted, he was praying for people who’d hurt him. That’s wild, right? How could humility and fasting shift your perspective this Lent? It’s a discipline that meets us right where we’re at and draws us closer to the cross.
Prayer That Doesn’t Quit
And don’t miss this: “My prayer kept returning to my bosom.” It’s a poetic way of saying David’s prayers were persistent, circling back to God again and again. His heart stayed open, even when his enemies didn’t soften. That’s the kind of prayer Lent calls us to—steady, sincere, trusting.
For us Creative Jesus Girls, spiritual growth thrives in this rhythm of prayer and fasting. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about showing up, day after day, trusting God’s timing. Maybe you’re praying for healing, patience, or just a glimpse of hope—keep bringing it to Him. What’s on your heart today? Let’s make prayer our anchor as we journey from Ashes to Alleluia this Lenten season.
Personal Story: Fasting Through the Hurt
A few Lents back, I was wrestling with some heavy stuff. A friend had let me down in a way that stung deep, and I was stuck in this cycle of replaying it all. I wanted to stay mad, you know? But God whispered, “Try fasting.” So, I gave up my sweets (a big deal for this sweet tooth girl) and used that time to pray instead. At first, it was rough—I’d sit there, dreaming of a butter cookie, grumbling more than praying.
But over those 40 days, something softened. Not the heavy stuff, I never got an apology—but me. Fasting didn’t fix the situation; it fixed my heart. I started seeing through God’s eyes, and by Easter, I wasn’t carrying that hurt anymore. Humility and fasting became my lifeline that Lent, teaching me that letting go is freedom. Have you ever fasted for someone hard to love? It’s messy, but oh, it’s beautiful.
Table of Contents
Creative Tie-In: Psalm 35 in Your Hands
Alright, Creative Jesus Girls, let’s get those creative juices flowing! Psalm 35:13 is begging for some Bible journaling love.
Here are a few ideas to bring it to life:
Sackcloth Sketch: Use textured paper or fabric scraps in your journal to represent sackcloth. Write Psalm 35:13 over it, maybe with a watercolor wash—think earthy tones for that Lent vibe.
Prayer Doodles: Dedicate a page to prayer and fasting. List people you’re praying for, doodle hearts or candles, and splash in some color. It’s a sacred space for your talks with God.
Fasting Map: Create a little chart in your journal—track what you’re fasting from and jot down what God’s showing you. Add some flair with stickers or washi tape!
Creativity isn’t just pretty—it’s how we process our faith. How will you weave humility and fasting into your art this Lent?
Living Out Psalm 35:13
Ready to make this real? Here are some practical steps to live out humility and fasting during Lent:
- Pray for Someone Tough: Pick one person who’s hard to love and pray for them every day this week. Ask God to bless them and to grow your Christian humility.
- Fast with Intention: Choose something to give up—snacks, scrolling, whatever—and replace it with prayer or a Lent devotional moment. Start small, and watch God move.
- Write It Down: Grab your journal and reflect on Psalm 35:13 daily. How are you seeing spiritual growth? What’s shifting in your heart?
We’re not aiming for perfect here—just progress. Let’s be beautifully broken messes together, trusting Jesus to lead us.
The Role of Community in Humility and Fasting
Humility and Fasting might feel solo, but they bloom in a community. Picture this: you’re fasting from social media, and a friend joins you. You swap texts about what God’s stirring up, pray for each other’s struggles, and suddenly, you’re not alone in the stretch. That’s the power of doing this together—support, accountability, and a shared hunger for Jesus. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” the community invites Him in deeper.
Historically, fasting was often communal—think of Nineveh fasting as a city in Jonah 3, or the early church praying and fasting before sending Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3). Today, it might look like a small group fasting from sugar, meeting weekly to share highs and lows. Christian humility grows here too—admitting our weaknesses to others strips away pretense. I’ve found that confessing, “This fast is hard,” to a friend opens doors to grace I’d miss alone. This Lent, why not find a fasting buddy? Pick a day, choose what to skip, and check-in. Or host a prayer night—sackcloth optional!—and lift up Psalm 35:13 together. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. How could community shape your Lent? Let’s lean into it and see what God does.
Free Creative Resources
Creative Jesus Girl is all about encouraging your faith walk and equipping your creative journey. And friends, I am excited about my newest series Free Lent Creatives, now available! It’s tailored for our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia—download them now! You’ll find them on the menu above or just click the link. Think beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits – all created to help you grow this Lenten Season.
Download your freebies now and let’s journey through Lent together! I’d love to see how you’re using them. Share your insights and creations with #CreativeJesusGirl – I can’t wait to see your faith shine! Want even more? Explore my full Scripture Journaling Kits over on my Patreon for past kits, or grab the full Scripture Journaling Kit for your Lenten deep dive. These are yours to enjoy, beautiful souls—let’s create and grow together!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for Psalm 35:13 and the way it calls us to humility and fasting. We’re not always good at this, Lord, but we want to be more like You. Help us love the unlovable, seek You in fasting, and pray without giving up. Guide us through these 40 days, softening our hearts and growing our faith. Be with every beautiful soul reading this—wrap them in Your love and peace.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen
Final Thoughts and Connect with Creative Jesus Girl
Lent’s a long haul, but Psalm 35:13 reminds us that humility and fasting are holy invitations—to lean into Jesus, to let Him shape us one prayer at a time. Where’s He tugging at your heart today? How might fasting make room for His voice? I’d love to hear—drop a comment below and let’s lift each other up!
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I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl obsessed with knowing Him and sharing Him with others through creative faith. Learn more about my story here!
