Should I Fast?

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus gave instructions on fasting. “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (CSB). Four things stand out in these verses.

1. Jesus did not command fasting but seemed to expect that we fast.
2. Jesus told us that our fasting is to be done in secret, between yourself and God.
3. The reward of those who proclaim their fasting is the praise of man.
4. There is a greater reward from God for fasting.

Many churches, in my experience, do not talk much about fasting. Partially, I think due to  Jesus’ admonition to fast in secret. Surveys show approximately 2o percent of professing Christians fast on occasion. Christians need to know more about fasting from spiritual and physical standpoints. This is by no means a comprehensive treatment of this discipline, but some suggestions to point you into incorporating fasting into spiritual practice.

Fasting is a Spiritual Discipline. Have you ever struggled with the same sin over and over, praying about it repeatedly but seeing little change? Have you ever had a problem that seemed to have no resolution? I am certain all of us have been in that situation. The problem may be that we haven’t taken it to God. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that can aid in our struggles. 

In at least two instances in the Old Testament, a prophet called for a fast. In Joel, the Israelites had strayed from God and disaster was imminent. In Chapter 2, God, through Joel called them to “turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God.” The Israelites were reminded of God’s character and love “For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God.” For the fast in Ezra 8:23 the people were preparing a return from Babylon. Ezra proclaimed a fast for a safe journey, concluding with favorable results “So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and he was receptive to our prayer.”

From these passages as well as others in the New Testament, we see that fasting can be done on an individual basis or it may be a corporate undertaking. When we fast, God notices. And in His infinite Love, He will bless us abundantly. 

What happens when we fast? Fasting sharpens our focus. Our bodies and minds are attuned to God in an unusual manner. I find it helpful to prepare for a fast by listing the items about which I am fasting and dwell on that list in the days leading up to my fast.

1. We declare our dependence on God’s power. We acknowledge that we don’t have the solution or the ability within ourselves to make the required action. 
2. We are attuned to God’s heart. Fasting can be likened to a spiritual tune up.  You have a tune up performed on your car to bring it into peak condition. A fast can bring your spiritual life into peak condition. 
3. We position ourselves for a breakthrough from God. He stands ready to honor our turning to Him as we declare our total dependence on Him.

What Do I Do When Fasting? There are no unbreakable rules about fasting. In some respects, a fast is like a daily quiet time. Do what works for you, as long as it accomplishes your purpose and is scriptural. A fast can be for any length of time. Jesus fasted for 40 days in Matthew 4. We are told it was done in preparation for His testing from Satan. I don’t think many of us could handle a 40-day fast. What works for many people is a “dawn to dusk” fast, in which one goes without food from getting up in the morning and concludes with the evening meal. Don’t be too rigid. There may be times when intervening events cause you to break the fast early. That’s ok.

What to give up for a fast. Many people fast from things other than food. This is particularly helpful if you have a medical condition that precludes a time of fasting from food. People may give up television, coffee, sporting events, or ice cream. It could be anything. Personally, I find a food fast to be the most effective. The key is to deny self and focus on God.

What to do during the fast. Don’t fast during a busy hectic day in which your attention may be diverted. But go through the day, doing normal activities with an awareness of God and the Holy Spirit. Thinking all the while on the objectives of your fast. Spend some extra time in prayer and meditation.

There are a number of spiritual disciplines that Christians should perform. If you aren’t currently practicing the discipline of fasting, maybe you should consider making it a part of your spiritual arsenal. 

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All scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise indicated.

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