Fasting - The Spiritual Discipline of Abstaining

Fasting is the deliberate choice to abstain from food or other physical comforts for a specific period of time as a spiritual discipline. It involves denying the body its natural cravings in order to focus attention on God, seek His guidance, express repentance, or deepen one's relationship with Him. This practice of self-denial is not merely about physical deprivation but is a powerful means of redirecting our spiritual hunger toward God, demonstrating our dependence on Him, and prioritizing spiritual matters over physical needs.

Understanding Biblical Fasting

Biblical reasons for fasting are: it adds effectiveness to our prayer lives – prayer coupled with fasting (Ezra 8:21-23); to discover God's guidance in major decisions (Act 13:2-3, 14:23); as an expression of deep repentance (Joel 2:12); when seeking divine intervention (Est 4:16); to deepen a person's devotion to God (Dan 9:3). When combined with reading the Bible it builds our devotion to and faith in God resulting in discovering Him in a greater way, which often leads to divine breakthroughs (Mt 17:21). The focus of fasting is not about what we give up, rather it is about God and spiritual issues.

We do not fast to manipulate or persuade Him, rather it is a time of humility and dependence resulting in closer fellowship, devotion and obedience with God if undertaken with the right heart attitude to which He responds (2 Chr 7:14; Isa 58:3-12; Jer 14:12; Jnh 3:5-10). We are changed, not God. It is not undertaken to receive praise from people, yet like all acts of self-sacrifice if done sincerely and voluntary with the right motive it is acceptable to God (Mt 6:16-18).

It is getting serious with God about a situation

Types of Fasting

A regular or normal fast is to abstain from solid and liquid food, yet drinking plenty of liquid, especially water, to cleanse the body of toxins created as the body utilises its stored reserves, often resulting in a light headed or general weak feeling particularly if employed in manual work. An absolute or dry fast is not even consuming liquids for a period, however this will cause major health issues (Act 9:9).

Diabetics can relinquish some other 'necessary' enjoyment in life, or undertake a limited (Daniel) fast which is abstaining from specific foods (Dan 10:2-3). A sexual fast is abstaining from sexual relations with your spouse for a time (Ex 19:15; 1 Cor 7:5).

Regular times of fasting are recorded in Scripture as special days are observed for a specific duration and reason (Lev 16:29,31; Zech 8:19). Both individual and national fasting was undertaken (2 Sam 12:16-21; 2 Chr 20:3-4). God can and does provide guidance without fasting, however it shows to Him we consider the spiritual is more important than the natural, with the body in submission to the spirit, by denying ourselves.

It is an expression of humility before God

The Practice of Fasting in Christian Life

Jesus fasted and it was common in His day (Mt 4:2; Lk 2:37, 18:12). To overlook fasting and ignore its spiritual significance is to deprive ourselves of an exercise that was taught and practiced by the Lord Jesus, His disciples, and believers through two thousand years! Because we live so much in the natural dimension, this spiritual discipline of offering our body to God as a living sacrifice in worship is often overlooked (Rom 12:1). Some church traditions encourage forms of fasting during the period of Lent – in preparation for observing Easter.

Fasting is also practiced by many non-Christians as a natural way of cleansing the body, through a time of rest and restoration for the digestive system.

Reflection & Application:

Consider what you might fast from in order to seek God more earnestly.
Reflect on your motives for fasting – ensure they are God-centered.
Start with a short fast if you are new to this spiritual discipline.
Combine fasting with prayer and Scripture reading for greater effectiveness.