Many Christians today are confused as to the powerful act and discipline of fasting. What is it and what is it really about?
In this article, we will quickly define fasting and explain what it is about, and also, what it isn't about.
What fasting is
Today, a lot of people fast, even in non-Christian groups. Many fast to get slimmer and shed off unwanted fat. Others fast because they want to discipline themselves or control bad habits. Others fast to deny themselves and seek God.
The Biblical act of fasting is often done by denying ourselves of food and drink for a time, in order to dedicate the time we spend eating to prayer and seeking the Lord God. Various accounts showed that this is a very important discipline that allows a Christian to seek the Lord better.
Moses, for example, was fasting when God gave him the Ten Commandments:
"Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments." (Exodus 34:27-28)
Even the Lord Jesus fasted. Luke 4:1-2 tells us,
"Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry."
And so, fasting is a spiritual discipline of denying our flesh to seek the Lord. We deny ourselves food, especially choice food (see Daniel 10:3), in order to seek God. In doing this, we give more room for the Spirit and less for the flesh.
What it isn't
There are some, however, who don't understand what Godly fasting is.
- Some think that fasting is mere self-denial of food, with no need to deny selfish pleasures. They stop eating, but keep doing wrong or ungodly things. (see Isaiah 58:3)
- Some think that fasting is a sign of spiritual growth and maturity. The more they fast, the more they become "spiritually powerful," without noticing the growth in their spiritual pride. (see Luke 18:9-14)
- Some think that fasting is a means to get God's attention, so that He can give us our desires. After all, "we denied ourselves; perhaps He'll give us what we want." (see Isaiah 58:3)
Well, actually, fasting isn't just a discipline where we simple deny ourselves some choice prime beef and cheese. It's an act of utter self-denial where we deny even our desires for ourselves so we can pursue God's desires.
In short, fasting isn't about us. It's totally about God. It's making room for God in our lives. It's just like what John the Baptist said:
"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
In closing
Friends, fasting is an act of putting our flesh and putting the Lord Jesus Christ on. I leave you with a passage that tells of the fast that pleases God.
"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?" (see Isaiah 58:6-9)
