Why would anyone voluntarily go without food when food is available? As you study Isaiah 58:3–12, you might think about your reasons for fasting—as well as the Lord’s reasons for giving this law. Here are some other questions to ponder:

• Why can fasting sometimes be perceived like more of a burden than a blessing? (see Isaiah 58:3–5). How do the Lord’s teachings in this chapter change that perception for you?

• What might it mean to “loose the bands of wickedness” and “break every yoke”? (Isaiah 58:6). How can fasting bless others? (see verse 7).

• How has fasting brought you the blessings described in Isaiah 58:8–12?

In his message “Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 22–25), President Henry B. Eyring shared several examples of how people have been blessed by fasting and fast offerings. How have you witnessed similar blessings in your life?

See also “Bless Our Fast, We Pray,” Hymns, no. 138; Topics and Questions, “Fasting and Fast Offerings,” Gospel Library.

Is the Sabbath day “a delight” for you? As you study Isaiah 58:13–14, consider how you could find more delight in the Lord’s day. For example, what might it mean to turn “from doing thy pleasure on [His] holy day”? What is the difference between “[delighting] thyself in the Lord” and “doing thine own ways”?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129–32.

Isaiah 58–66 has multiple references to the atoning mission of Jesus Christ. Look for them as you study. In particular, note the titles and words used to describe the Savior. For example:

• What impresses you about the description of the “intercessor” in Isaiah 59:16–21? How does the Savior overcome the conditions described in verses 9–15?

• When Jesus Christ announced to the people of Nazareth that He was the Messiah, He quoted from Isaiah 61:1–3 (see Luke 4:16–21; see also the video “Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah,” Gospel Library). How has Jesus Christ blessed you and others in the ways described in these verses? How has He given beauty in place of ashes?

Isaiah 60 and 62 speak of light and dark, eyes and seeing to teach about how the gospel of Jesus Christ will bless the world in the last days. Look for these concepts in Isaiah 60:1–5, 19–20; 62:1–2. As you read these chapters, ponder how God is gathering His children out of darkness to His light. What is your role in this work?

See also 1 Nephi 22:3–12; 3 Nephi 18:24; Doctrine and Covenants 14:9; Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 78–80.

Isaiah spoke of a day when “the former troubles are forgotten” (Isaiah 65:16). While this prophecy has several fulfillments, in its fullest sense, that day is yet to come—when Jesus Christ will return. Isaiah described this future day in Isaiah 64:1–5; 65:17–25; 66. Notice how often he used words like “rejoice” and “rejoicing.” Why will the Savior’s return be a day of rejoicing for you? What can you do to prepare for His coming?

See also Articles of Faith 1:10; Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming,” Ensign, Apr. 2020, 13–17.