Book Review: 40 Days of Decrease

This Lenten devotional approaches fasting in a new way

Photo by Shelby Miller on Unsplash

Once in a while, you come across a book that challenges and changes you. Alicia Britt Chole’s 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger, A Different Kind of Fast is that kind of book. It’s intended to be a Lenten devotional but can be used during any 40-day period.

With Lent starting on March 5th this year, I wanted to share my review now. I’ve recommended this book to friends who were similarly touched by it. 40 Days of Decrease is one of the best Christian nonfiction books I’ve ever read.

Dr. Chole was the keynote speaker at a women’s conference I attended in October 2016. The theme of the conference was Selah, an ancient word with several possible meanings. Dr. Chole shared ways we can interpret the term in our daily journey with God.

Her gentle yet dynamic speaking style captivated me. She had a quiet command of the stage — unlike any speaker I’ve ever heard. She made me want to lean in and listen to what God wanted to say through her.

It was a defining moment in my life.

I purchased Chole’s book, 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger, A Different Kind of Fast because I was so impressed by her unique teaching and speaking style. I soon discovered that her approach to Lent would also be wildly different.

The book focuses on each of the 40 days of Lent as a unique opportunity to fast. Instead of choosing a fast like giving up chocolate or social media, Chole provides a series of 40 behaviors and thought patterns to fast from.

Reading and reflecting on this book was heavy spiritual work, forcing me to confront my own habits and attitudes. As I read, studied, and prayed, my heart and soul were exposed. An unexpected season of pruning and refining was a challenging yet positive benefit to reading this book.

The book’s setup is interactive, including space for the reader to reflect and take notes. Journaling is already part of my spiritual practice, so this book is a perfect accompaniment to my devotions.

A couple of years ago, some friends and I read the book during Lent. We texted each other frequently, sharing revelations and reflections. I’ve never had such a meaningful fasting period during Lent. This book challenged me to dive into deep, dark places I had been avoiding. I reread it each Lenten season.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Some of the 40 fasts include:

• Day 2 — Regrets

• Day 10 — Avoidance

• Day 18 — Appearances

• Day 26 — Comparison

• Day 30 — Self-Confidence

On Day 18, Chole challenges readers to fast appearances. She writes:

“Today, fast all appearances. Fast facades. Be fiercely attentive to when, where, and with whom you are tempted to inflate or deflate, exaggerate, or belittle your real self via speech or silence. Discuss your observations with Jesus. Ask Him to help you understand why you are investing energy in an illusion.” -Alicia Britt Chole

Reading each daily entry, I found myself at once challenged and uplifted. Chole supports her direct approach to each issue with scripture and encouragement. By the time Easter arrived, I felt I’d been on a profound journey with God.

While Lent is a good time to read the book, it’s worth noting you can do this study any time of year. If you feel overwhelmed or just need to create some spiritual breathing room, it’s a perfect choice.

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40 Days of Decrease is a fresh look at Lenten spiritual disciplines. As you prepare to draw nearer to God during Lent, consider adding this different kind of fasting to your life. I pray it blesses you as much as it did me.

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Community Garden:

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• If you celebrate Easter, do you currently have a Lenten practice when the season begins?

• What nonfiction book have you found helpful as a personal development tool?