Mention the word “fast” today and the conversation might turn to the speed of light, the stride of a cheetah, or someone’s internet connection. Refusing to eat, however, is usually the furthest thing from our minds.
In his book, “The Celebration of Discipline,” Richard Foster says that in a land filled with Golden Arches and pizza temples it seems strange to talk about fasting.
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Surprisingly, though, Scripture has much to say about the spiritual benefits of taking a break from food. The practice was so familiar to Jewish believers that they incorporated civic fasts into their New Year celebrations, Day of Atonement observances, and national tragedy commemorations. Though the concept is somewhat foreign to us, it was commonplace in ancient Israel. Fasting appears 75 times in the Bible, with 44 verses in the Old Testament and 31 in the New Testament.
You’ll find examples of fasts that lasted for three, seven, fourteen, twenty-one, and forty days in God’s Word, but the most common was from sunrise to sundown. Moses, David, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah and Ezra fasted under the Old Covenant. Likewise, John the Baptist, Paul, Barnabas, and Jesus Himself fasted though the Law was fulfilled. The early church continued seeking the Lord in this unique way after Jesus ascended back to heaven (Acts 13:2–3).
Christians throughout history, such as Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon, have followed suit as well. America’s founding fathers on the Mayflower spent an entire day fasting and praying before coming ashore. Interestingly, Jesus introduces the subject by assuming that believers of all ages would continue the spiritual custom. He does not say, “If you fast . . .,” but “Whenever you fast . . .” while discussing the subject in His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:16).
Benefits of fasting
So, what are the benefits of fasting today?
First, fasting helps us to humble ourselves before the Lord. Many have suggested that abstaining from television, social media, or internet surfing can be helpful, and I don’t disagree. But nothing reminds us of our constant need of and dependence upon the Lord like refraining from food for a period of time. King David identified fasting as his method for humbling his soul as he sought God. Hunger pains are a physical reminder for us to pray and lay our burdens before our Savior.
Second, fasting enables us to repent of sin and overcome weaknesses. Pride, greed, malice and self-centeredness seem to melt away when we take time to focus on God apart from the busyness of life. When accompanied with weeping and mourning, fasting is a powerful means of sanctification that breaks the cycle of returning to temptations that plague us (Joel 2:12). Just as the people of Nineveh forsook their transgressions through a national fast and lament, we, too, ought to express genuine repentance through intentional restraint from eating.
Third, fasting is also an appropriate method for discerning the will of God. The Apostle Paul went from city to city appointing elders, but only after fasting and praying (Acts 14:23). Identifying God’s direction and pursuing it with diligence often only comes after the focus that accompanies this spiritual discipline. If you have a big decision ahead, you should definitely consider a fast.
Finally, fasting fosters greater intimacy with the Lord, unleashing His presence in our lives. Replacing time typically devoted to food preparation and consumption with increased focus on prayer and fellowship with God invites Him into our lives in a unique way. No wonder a widow privileged to see the baby Jesus in the temple prioritized fasting just as she did prayer (Luke 2:37). Anyone longing to experience God in fresh way will benefit from this sacred act of devotion.
How we fast
How we fast, though, is just as important as our commitment to do so. To avoid hypocrisy, Jesus implored Christians to avoid drawing attention to themselves by altering their appearance (Matt. 6:16). Pharisees were notorious for fashioning old clothing, covering their heads in ashes, and wearing painful looks on their faces so that others would notice or ask if they were fasting. Such self-promotion defeats the purpose of seeking God in the first place.
Thus, Jesus instructs genuine believers to anoint their heads and wash their faces in order to avoid being noticed by others (Matt. 6:16–17). Make themselves presentable, in other words. Those who trumpet and parade their good works lose their reward as soon as the attention and applause of men stops.
Practically, consulting with your physician before an extended fast is always a good idea. In addition, a number of great resources, such as Ronnie Floyd’s “The Supernatural Power of Prayer and Fasting,” offer helpful guidance about the ins and outs of what to expect as you proceed. Be sure to devote extra time for prayer and Scripture reading during your fast. Why not start preparing today?
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Adam B. Dooley, pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee.
