Feasting doesn’t mean indulging or over-consuming; it means intentionally filling our hearts, our minds, and our souls with what feeds us spiritually.
An Invitation to Biblical Feasting
Last month, we explored the practice of fasting—not simply giving something up, but creating space for something better. We talked about how it’s not just about removing something from our lives, but about making space for something better.
Today, I want to introduce the concept of feasting—not as a replacement for fasting, but as another way to focus our hearts on God. For some, feasting can be an additional layer to their fast. For others, it can be an alternative—a different but also powerful way to draw near to God.
So let’s explore what it means to feast during Lent, using what many call the ‘Philippians filter’ as our guide.
In episode 34, we talked about fasting as a way to create space for God—whether it’s stepping away from food, from social media, from distractions, or from anything that pulls our focus away from Him.
But fasting isn’t meant to leave us empty. The space it creates is an invitation to be filled with something better. That’s where feasting comes in.
Feasting doesn’t mean indulging or over-consuming; it means intentionally filling our hearts, our minds, and our souls with what feeds us spiritually. Philippians 4:8 gives us a helpful filter for this practice:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things
In this verse, Paul gives us a clear picture of what we are invited to feast on—God’s truth, goodness, and beauty. Here are a few simple ways we can do that.
Feasting on God’s Word
One of the most powerful ways we can feast during Lent or anytime we want to be intentional about focusing is by feasting on God’s Word.
Psalm 119:103 says, ‘How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!’
If you are fasting a meal or stepping away from distractions, use that time to open your Bible. Read slowly, savoring each word. Maybe return to Philippians 4:8 and let its truth settle in your heart.
One simple practice is to write down a verse that stands out to you and respond to it with a prayer. Let God’s Word become not just something you read, but something you feast on—something that fills and sustains you.
Lectio Divina is a great way to feast on scripture. If you’re not familiar with that practice, check out episode 29. I’ll link to that down in the show notes.
And I’ll be hosting a live Lectio Divina session on Philippians 4:8 in a couple weeks. If you’d like to join us, hop on over to the Figs Community Facebook Group. You’ll find the details under the EVENTS tab.
Feasting on God’s Goodness
Another way to feast during Lent is by feasting on God’s goodness. In the February episode, we talked about fasting from grumbling or complaining. Gratitude transforms that fast into a feast.
Instead of dwelling on what’s frustrating, we can shift our focus to what is lovely and praiseworthy. This doesn’t mean ignoring hard things, but choosing to look for God’s goodness even in the midst of them.
One simple practice is to keep a gratitude journal during your fasting-feasting. Each day, write down three things that reflect God’s kindness in your life. Maybe it’s a moment of peace, an answered prayer, or an amazing sunset. Feasting on gratitude shifts our perspective from lack to abundance.
Living from a place of gratitude can completely transform your life. I have several resources for cultivating gratitude and I’ll link to those below too.
Feasting on Rest
Another way to feast during Lent is by feasting on rest—not just physical rest, but soul-deep rest in God’s presence.
Exodus 33:14 says, “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”
We often fill our days with busyness, striving, or distractions. But when we intentionally fast from hustle and overcommitment, we create space to feast on rest—on stillness with God.
A simple practice is to set aside a few moments each day to simply be with God. No agenda. No to-do list. Just a pause to breathe, pray, and settle into His presence. Even five minutes of quiet reflection can become a sacred feast.
If you’re looking for practical ways to cultivate this kind of soul rest, I’ve shared some of my favorite ideas in the Scripture Cultivations for this month. You’ll find those linked in the show notes
Resources for Biblical Feasting
Whether you’re in a season of fasting, seeking a fresh way to connect with God, or simply longing for more of His presence, feasting is an invitation that’s always open. It’s about choosing to fill your heart and mind with what is good, true, and life-giving—no matter the time of year.
Maybe for you, fasting and feasting will go hand in hand—letting go of something that distracts in order to take in something better. Or maybe feasting will be your focus right now—intentionally seeking out the beauty, truth, and goodness of God in the everyday.
Either way, my prayer is that as you open your Bible, as you pause in gratitude, as you rest in His presence, you will sense the richness of His love, filling the space you’ve made for Him
To help you step into this practice, I’ve put together this month’s Scripture Cultivations, which includes:
📖 A collection of hand-picked scriptures on feasting—so you can soak in the richness of God’s Word.
📝 A devotional guide to Feasting on Philippians 4:8—with simple ways to engage deeply with this verse.
💡 A list of additional resources to support your journey—whether it’s gratitude journaling, Lectio Divina, or cultivating a heart of rest.
You can find the links below.
And if you want to join me for the live Lectio Divina session on Philippians 4:8, I’d love to have you there. Just head to the Figs Community Facebook Group and look under the EVENTS tab for all the details.
Wherever you are in your journey, may this be a season of nourishment for your soul—one where you truly taste and see that the Lord is good.
Here are your cultivations
You have lots of options! Start by printing off the Scripture Cultivations Plan for free.
Prefer listening? Tune in to our podcast episodes.
If visuals are your thing, catch us on YouTube for insightful videos.
And for some community vibes, grab a cuppa and hop over to the FIGS Community Facebook Group.
What are Scripture Cultivations?
If you’re new to the Figs Community, you may be wondering why I call them Scripture Cultivations instead of a Scripture Writing Plan or Scripture Reading Plan. Hop on over to this page to find out more.
