So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8:23
“While you are young and healthy, fast, for old age with its weakness will come. As long as you can, lay up treasure, so that when you cannot, you will be at peace.”
Amma Syncletica, a desert mother, in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection, trans. Benedicta Ward (Kalamazoo: Cisterian, 1975) 233-234.
Fasting is good while we are young because we learn to set aside our desires in a season when we have fewer physical limitations. When coupled with generosity, it brings peace.
Any desires other than Christ will not satisfy. Fasting and giving together guide us to the peace we search for our entire lives. And someday we will no longer be able to lay up treasure. We must do it whilst we can.