The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
Spiritual disciplines sound like hard work, and they are in some ways, but all good things are costly. Discipline is what pushes us beyond who we are to who we want to be. Discipline is our best friend, cheering us on, shouting encouragement from the sideline. Discipline is on our side.
Out of all the spiritual disciplines, fasting is the one I dislike the most. I don’t like denying myself anything, let alone food.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH FASTING?
Jesus expected his followers to fast. He doesn’t spell out the why, how or how often. Jesus just says, “When you fast…” and tells us how to carry ourselves.
In Matthew 5:16–18, Jesus talks about private fasting. A private exchange between us and God, an inner communion that is building our inner relationship with our creator and lover of our soul; sacrificing physical desires for spiritual intimacy.
There are many examples of individuals fasting in the Bible:
Daniel fasted as he sought God’s guidance as an exile in Babylon (Daniel 9:3-5)
David fasted when his sin with Bathsheba was discovered and his son became sick (2 Samuel 12:15-17)
Nehemiah fasted before approaching the king to ask for permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. (Nehemiah 1:4)
Moses fasted for 40 days when he met with God and received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28)
Jesus fasted for 40 days during the time he was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:2-4)
There are also numerous examples of corporate fasting in scripture, when the community of faith petitioned God together:
Ezra called a fast to pray for safe passage for the exiles on their return to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:23)
The whole nation of Israel fasted when Esther approached the king on their behalf (Esther 4:15-16)
The people of Nineveh fasted when they repented of their sin and asked God for compassion (Jonah 3:5-9)
The believers fasted when they commissioned Paul and Barnabas for ministry (Acts 13:2-3)
The reasons for fasting generally fit into two broad categories:
To seek God for a breakthrough while making a big decision or at a pivotal moment
Fast of repentance, asking God for mercy
Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. —Joel 2:12
Fasting is a powerful act of submission to God. We are saying to Him, “God, I need you more than food,” literally. Fasting is not a magic formula to twist God’s arm, but there is something significant that happens in the spiritual realm when we fast.
There is a growing body of evidence of the physical benefits of fasting as well. The practice of fasting for two days each week, following the pattern of the biblical Pharisees, is very popular.
Like prayer, fasting is a spiritual mystery. It is not a formula to follow that ensures God’s favour. Rather, fasting is a way to increase intimacy with God, deepening our relationship with Him.
There have been times when I have fasted and have experienced significant spiritual breakthrough, hearing God’s direction or having prayers miraculously answered. These have been precious times when I have heard God’s voice more clearly and known His presence more closely.
There have been other times when I have fasted and have discerned nothing other than hunger.
how to try fasting
Do you have a big decision to make? Is there a significant pivot point or difficult situation you are facing? Are you seeking God for a breakthrough, or do you simply want to go deeper in your intimacy with Him? Set aside time to fast. This is as simple as not eating anything for a period of time. Drink plenty of water so you don’t become dehydrated. Set aside time to spend with God. Read His word, journal, pray and listen to His guidance.
There are some reasons why fasting from food may not be a good idea. If you are taking some medication, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, fasting from food is not a safe option. There are other kinds of fasting.
You can fast from:
Television, social media, internet
Eat only vegetables, seeds and nuts (known as a Daniel Fast from Daniel 10:3)
Eat only whole fresh foods, cutting out gluten, sugar and dairy.
Eliminate snacks, desserts and treats.
Sex (1 Corinthians 7:5) with the consent of both partners, for a limited time.
Like many things that aren’t much fun at the time, fasting is an important part of spiritual discipline. We deny ourselves and acknowledge our dependence and need for God.
What distracts you from God’s presence? Is it food? What you are reading and listening to? Do the people you spend time with draw you closer to God? What would it look like for you to limit your exposure to these things for a time to seek a deeper intimacy with God?
Would you like to give fasting a go? I found this article helpful and full of practical advice. Or you can read about the experience of a 21-day fast in this article.
