Today, I’d like to discuss fasting, a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and shapes our character and behavior. Through this series, we’ve explored prayer and meditation, and now it’s time to understand fasting’s role in our spiritual lives.
In the Scriptures, fasting often goes hand in hand with prayer. It’s practiced by Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, and the early church, as recorded in Acts. Questions arise: What is fasting? Why and how should Christians fast? Let’s delve into the Bible and start with the Old Testament.
Under the Law of Moses, one fast was commanded on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:29. The phrase “afflict your souls” refers to fasting. We see its use throughout the Scriptures, such as in Psalm 69:10. The Israelites fasted during war, illness, and grief over loved ones. They sought God’s forgiveness through fasting, as Daniel did in chapter 9.
Fasting humbles us, allowing us to seek God’s favor earnestly, often accompanied by prayer. Psalm 35:13 is tied to humbling the soul. While a partial fast is sometimes practiced, like in Daniel 10, complete fasting is also seen, such as in the 40-day fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus.
But beware: fasting can become a show of outward ritualism if we’re not careful. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 6:16-18. Instead, fasting should be genuine and meaningful to strengthen our spiritual resolve.
In the New Testament, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness after His baptism and before facing Satan’s temptations. He also implied that His disciples would fast after His death (Mark 2:18-20). The early church in Antioch fasted when selecting elders and sending out missionaries. Paul practiced fasting regularly, teaching how to strengthen one’s resolve, even in married life.
Today, while fasting is not commanded, I believe it has a place in our faith. It helps us seek God’s guidance during illness, temptation, or major decisions. When done properly and with the right motives, it’s a powerful tool to deepen our relationship with God.
If you’re considering fasting, approach it seriously. Begin with short periods and ease into it. Pair it with prayer and meditation, remembering its purpose: to humble ourselves and seek God’s favor. And don’t let it become an empty ritual; make it a heartfelt, personal experience.
Ask yourself: Are you living in a way that brings you closer to God? Are you incorporating prayer, meditation, and fasting into your spiritual practice? If you’re not a Christian yet, believe in the Word, repent of your sins, confess that Jesus is Lord, and be baptized for remission. If you are a church member but have stumbled, know we can pray together, seeking God’s forgiveness and grace.
