In fasting, the believer voluntarily abstains in some significant way from food and/or drink for spiritual purposes. One may also abstain from something else like technology, media, etc., but the primary method we see in Scripture is mainly from food (Matt 6:16-18, 9:15, Joel 2:12, Ezra 8:23, Acts 9:9, 13:2, 14:23).
Fasting confirms our complete dependence on God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food. Through the rhythm of fasting, we learn that God’s Word is a life substance, that it is not simply bread alone that gives life, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4). We also learn that we too have food to eat that this world knows nothing about (John 4:32, 34).
Fasting with Jesus, then, is feasting- feasting on Him and on doing His will. When we fast, we learn how to suffer well, with joy, as we feast, because in life we all will suffer, and fasting teaches us about the peace, dependence and presence of Jesus that is so sweet and satisfying more than anything this world has to offer (Ps 34:8).
When we regularly practice fasting as a spiritual rhythm, we will have a clear and constant awareness of the resources and strength available in God. This helps the believer endure trials of various kinds, knowing that we are not alone, and that our Good Father hears every prayer and cares for our every need.
Fasting makes us more like Jesus. Our suffering does not earn God’s favor, we are already fully loved by God. But we fast to strengthen our prayers (Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah 1:4, Acts 13:3), when we seek God’s guidance and His will (Judges 20:26, Acts 14:23), to express grief (Judges 20:26, 1 Sam 20:34, 31:13, 2 Sam 1:11-12, to seek deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4, Ezra 8:21-23, Esther 4:16, Ps 109), to express repentance and a return to God (1 Sam 7:6, Joel 2:12, Jonah 3:5-8), to overcome temptation and dedication wholly to God (Matt 4:1-11), and to express love and worship to God (Luke 2:37, John 6:51, Philippians 3:19-20).
Will you prayerfully consider fasting as the Holy Spirit directs?
“Fasting hoists the sails of the soul in hopes of experiencing the gracious wind of God’s Spirit” - Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.
Fasting confirms our complete dependence on God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food. Through the rhythm of fasting, we learn that God’s Word is a life substance, that it is not simply bread alone that gives life, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4). We also learn that we too have food to eat that this world knows nothing about (John 4:32, 34).
Fasting with Jesus, then, is feasting- feasting on Him and on doing His will. When we fast, we learn how to suffer well, with joy, as we feast, because in life we all will suffer, and fasting teaches us about the peace, dependence and presence of Jesus that is so sweet and satisfying more than anything this world has to offer (Ps 34:8).
When we regularly practice fasting as a spiritual rhythm, we will have a clear and constant awareness of the resources and strength available in God. This helps the believer endure trials of various kinds, knowing that we are not alone, and that our Good Father hears every prayer and cares for our every need.
Fasting makes us more like Jesus. Our suffering does not earn God’s favor, we are already fully loved by God. But we fast to strengthen our prayers (Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah 1:4, Acts 13:3), when we seek God’s guidance and His will (Judges 20:26, Acts 14:23), to express grief (Judges 20:26, 1 Sam 20:34, 31:13, 2 Sam 1:11-12, to seek deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4, Ezra 8:21-23, Esther 4:16, Ps 109), to express repentance and a return to God (1 Sam 7:6, Joel 2:12, Jonah 3:5-8), to overcome temptation and dedication wholly to God (Matt 4:1-11), and to express love and worship to God (Luke 2:37, John 6:51, Philippians 3:19-20).
Will you prayerfully consider fasting as the Holy Spirit directs?
“Fasting hoists the sails of the soul in hopes of experiencing the gracious wind of God’s Spirit” - Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.