Fasting

Devotional inspired by writings from Deepak J.

True believers in Christ our Lord have different schools of thought on the subject of fasting. We need a balanced approach so that even our fasting is pleasing to the Lord.

The writer of this article believes that fasting today is a personal matter between the Christian and the Lord, and that he or she should be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Some very sincere believers say that there is no direct commandment from the Lord to fast, as there are specific commandments concerning prayer, giving, obedience, suffering for His cause, loving others, and many other matters. However, others understand the words of Jesus to imply that fasting would remain part of the Christian life after His departure. When something is clearly implied and understood, there may be no need for a direct commandment.

The following verses clarify this point:

Mark 2:20: “But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.”

Matthew 6:16–18: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seethe in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Jesus’ words not only suggest that His followers would fast, but also teach that fasting should be sincere, private, and directed toward God rather than performed to receive recognition from others.

The New Testament also records believers fasting as they worshiped, sought God’s direction, and appointed leaders:

Acts 13:2–3: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Acts 14:23: “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”

The objective of fasting is not to try to please God by torturing one’s body. Rather, it is to humble ourselves before God, spend more time alone with the Lord, and pour out the burdens of our hearts at His feet.

The burden may involve a fiery trial, a matter of supplication, an impossible situation that has suddenly arisen in one’s life, the beginning of a new ministry, or the need to seek guidance concerning a job, marriage, or another major decision.

Fasting should not become an empty religious ritual in which outward practices are performed while the heart remains far from God.

Fasting does not force God to answer our prayers in the manner we desire, nor does it earn His favor. Instead, it expresses humility, dependence, sincerity, and a willingness to seek Him without distraction.

Ezra 8:21: “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.”

Ezra sought the Lord’s face through fasting and prayer concerning the journey that lay before them.

Daniel 9:2–3: “In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.”

Daniel discovered from the book of Jeremiah, whose scroll he possessed, that the captivity of the Jews would end when the seventy years were completed. Therefore, he devoted himself to fasting and prayer as he confessed the sins of his people and sought God’s mercy concerning Jerusalem and the restoration of Israel.

2 Samuel 12:16: “David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.”

David was deeply sorrowful over his sin, which he had confessed and for which he had been forgiven. He also fasted as an act of desperate intercession, pleading with God for the life of the child.

Esther 4:16: “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

The entire Jewish race was under the threat of complete annihilation on a specific date. Esther, her maidens, and the Jews in Shushan fasted for three days as Esther prepared to approach the king and risk her life on behalf of her people. Although prayer is not specifically mentioned in this passage, the fast clearly demonstrated their dependence upon God during a life-threatening crisis. God ultimately turned the situation in favor of the Jewish people and brought judgment upon their enemies.

Esther’s fast involved neither food nor water and occurred during an extraordinary emergency. It should not necessarily be treated as the ordinary pattern for Christian fasting. Anyone considering an extended or complete fast should use wisdom and consider his or her health and medical circumstances.

I am sure that we will see believers in heaven who never fasted during their lives. However, there will also be many who will testify to God’s mighty hand working on their behalf when they sought Him through fasting and prayer.

Above all, the most important decision, which matters for eternity, is accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior. Prayer, the study of God’s precious Word, fellowship, worship, service, and fasting are spiritual disciplines through which believers may grow in their relationship with the Lord during their lives on earth. These disciplines do not earn salvation, but they can strengthen a believer’s faith, dependence upon God, and obedience to Him.

Then, upon your entrance into the presence of the Lord, you may hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Practical Ways to Keep Fasting Aligned with your walk

Begin with prayer and a clear spiritual purpose. Keep the focus on seeking God rather than simply avoiding food, and use the time normally spent eating for prayer, Scripture reading, and quiet reflection. Fast with humility, avoid drawing attention to yourself, and use wisdom concerning your health and responsibilities.

Prayer

Lord, help me approach fasting with humility and sincerity. Remove distractions from my heart, draw me closer to You, and guide me according to Your will. May this time strengthen my faith, deepen my dependence upon You, and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Reflection

What burden, decision, or area of spiritual growth am I bringing before the Lord? Is my fasting drawing my heart closer to God, increasing my dependence upon Him, and leading me toward greater obedience?