Day One: Ninth End of Summer Fast & Detox

Setting Intentions, Searching Hearts, and Stepping Into Completion

We are 24 hours into the Ninth End of Summer Fast & Detox. I hope you’ve taken time to be still and talk to God. This is one of my favorite times of the year because the world is so noisy. So many things pull at our attention, and before you realize it, you’ve unintentionally drifted further from God. This fast is the perfect time to return to Him and put Him back at the center of your life.

Over the last 24 hours, I’ve made space to be still and read the Word. I even sat outside both at Starbucks and the backyard for hours to pray and meditate. I’ll admit, I don’t usually like being in nature, but there was something so peaceful about hearing the birds chirp and feeling the wind against my face. During this fast, I’ve decided to focus on Romans and Ephesians. Yesterday, I studied chapters 1–4 in both books. I chose Ephesians because it’s a powerful reminder of our God-given identity, something I’ve been wrestling with, especially as my desires have felt so fickle in a world driven by social media. I’m intentionally working to reconnect with who I am and what I want outside of the world’s noise.

This morning, I ran a 5K, completely unplanned, and then joined a friend for a prayer and Pilates class. The rest of my day was filled with walking and worship. Fasting is so special because it’s more than abstaining; it’s a way to honor God. Worship doesn’t have to happen only in church or when a gospel song is playing. You can honor Him through your daily life. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

You glorify God when you steward well what He has entrusted you with. You glorify Him when you show up fully as a mother, sister, daughter, or friend. You glorify Him in the kindness you extend to strangers.

I pray this first day has been just as grounding for you. And if it hasn’t, if you slipped back into old habits or made a mistake, that’s okay. You still have 48 hours left. Recommit and keep going.

Before moving forward, I want you to set your intention for this fast. Write it down, in your journal, your notes app, or on a sticky note. What is this fast about for you? It could be one thing or several. Maybe you’re seeking clarity, healing, direction, answers, or simply to rest in God’s presence. There’s no right or wrong. Be honest with Him about what you need.

This is year nine, and biblically, nine symbolizes completion. As we close out one season and prepare for the next, it’s important to reflect on where we’ve been. You can’t know where you’re going without first assessing where you are. Psalm 139:23–24 says: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Ask God to search your heart. Reflect on your current relationship with Him. Do you feel as close to Him as you’d like to be? Life’s ups and downs shape us, but they can also weigh on our hearts. As you journal today, identify what in your heart doesn’t align with Christ. Some things you’ll know right away, while others God will reveal as you continue.

Next, reflect on the last season of your life. Who have you been showing up as in the world? Do you like that version of yourself? What qualities do you want to keep, and which ones need to change?

There are nine fruits of the Spirit. Which one do you feel you’ve been lacking most? This may feel uncomfortable, but self reflection is necessary for growth. And remember, extend yourself grace. You’re human, and you will fall short, but God looks at the heart.

As you write these things down, bring them to God. Ask Him to keep the good and remove what doesn’t serve Him. One of my favorite prayers is simple: “God, make me more like You.” The goal is always to reflect Christ.

Once you know where you are, you can begin to pivot toward where you want to go. The world will try to define you, but it cannot. Only God, your Creator, knows your beginning and your end. You are already enough because your worth is not based on what you do. True transformation follows God’s order: Be → Do → Have. Be who God called you to be, do what He’s instructed you to do, and you will have what He has prepared for you.

Today’s scripture is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Remember, you are God’s masterpiece, handcrafted with intention. You are here on purpose.

For those focusing on the detox, this is more than just letting go of three habits, it’s about replacing them with one new, life giving practice. Set your intentions. Why are you detoxing? Do you need a reset? Are you trying to quiet the noise? Are you realigning with your goals? Write it down.

Then, reflect on 2025 so far, the good, the bad, and the in between. What are the highlights? Where did you drop the ball? Compare your current self to the future self you envision. What habits are holding you back? What do you need to leave behind?

You don’t have to wait until January to set goals. Write down three goals to accomplish before this year ends. Be specific and list the action steps to get there. Then, choose one word you want to define the remainder of 2025.

The point of all this is clarity, about who you are and what you want. Boldly set your goals. There are still three months left in the year, and that’s more than enough time to change your life.

We are one day down, with two more to go. I’m excited about all God has in store. Keep seeking His face. Keep reflecting. And tomorrow, we’ll go deeper.