Zechariah 7-8 (The Daily Walk Bible).

The people have an important question to ask: “Now that we’re back, do we continue to fast?” They had been fasting to commemorate the destruction of the temple, but now they were home and the temple was being rebuilt. What to do! God’s ultimate answer is that now is a time for joy and not sorrow. Fasting is over! It is time for celebration! (8:18-19)

But before that God asks an important question: “When you were fasting, were you doing it for me?” (7:5) Our devotional makes an important point. The way you live us more important than the way you fast. Fasting can be an important aid to spirituality, but only if done in the right way. It doesn’t make us right with God, and isn’t a replacement for holy living!