Understanding Biblical Fasting
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Biblical fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food, distractions, or other pleasures for a period of time to focus on God. It is a powerful spiritual discipline practiced throughout Scripture, allowing believers to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and prepare for His work. Fasting is seen not only as a physical act but it’s also a spiritual posture that represents our humility, dependence, and devotion to God. In other words, if we generally can, “Change Our Posture, Change Our LIFE,” through fasting we change our posture and change our focus! OR Change our posture and change our FAITH!!! ALL of it is good work!
The Purpose Behind Fasting
Now, the primary purpose of Biblical fasting is to align one’s heart with God’s will. By denying oneself of physical or “worldly” comforts, the believer creates space for spiritual renewal and deeper communication with God. It is a reminder of our reliance on Him as the ultimate source of strength, provision, and guidance. Biblical fasting is also a way to detach from outside distractions, allowing the soul to be re-calibrated to the TRUTH of God’s Word and the constancy of His presence.
Fasting in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, fasting is associated with pivotal moments in faith.
- Moses fasted for 40 days when receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28).
- Esther called for a fast before approaching the king to save her people (Esther 4:16).
- Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:2).
These examples highlight the fact that fasting is a KEY means of seeking God’s guidance, preparing for significant spiritual tasks, and humbling oneself before Our God. When you look at it with these realities in mind, we quickly come to realize how undervalued and underutilized fasting really is! I mean… before now, when was the last time you fasted? Tell me below!
What Fasting Looks Like
Biblical fasting can take many forms beyond simply abstaining from food. For some, it may involve abstaining from distractions such as social media, television, or other pleasures. The focus, however, remains the same: to use that “reclaimed!!!!” time for prayer, worship, and meditation on Scripture. True fasting MUST be rooted in the intention of connecting with God, rather than merely a ritualistic act OR…
A diet.
The Fruits of Fasting
The rewards of fasting are both spiritual and transformative! By surrendering our personal desires and shifting that focus and time to God, we as believers experience
- renewed faith,
- clarity of purpose, and
- peace!
Fasting presents the opportunity to grow closer to God, deepen trust in Him, and seek answers for life’s challenges.
QUESTION:
How do you anticipate that your next (or current) fast will transform YOU?