The Purpose of Fasting:

A Biblical Perspective

Fasting is a spiritual concept that is slowly becoming more marginalized in our society.  As intermittent fasting becomes a more popular avenue toward living a healthier lifestyle, the true purpose of fasting gets more and more diluted.  And in some cases, ignored. Fasting, according to the Bible, was always intended to include a sacrifice and surrendering of our will to God.

Fast /fast/
Verb
Gerund or present participle fasting
Abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance.

FASTING: WHAT IS IT and WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

A “fast” in its simplest term is when someone gives up, or sacrifices, a certain food, beverage. It can be common for some to skip an entire meal for one or several consecutive days, intentionally dedicating that time to be spent in prayer, reading the Bible, or praising God for example. Despite the common misconception, a fast does not necessarily translate into the absence of all food. Typically, a spiritual fast will include the common factors of sacrifice, humility, and a closer intimacy with God through our surrendering to Him.

Fasting may be a lot of things, but it is NOT a weight loss plan! Trust me. I’ve tried it, and didn’t lose a single lb! Looking back on this now, my static scale may have been God’s way of reiterating the true purpose of the fast had nothing to do with me. Fasting, after all, is all about Him. Its objective is to die to one’s self, much like Jesus did on the cross. For the duration of any fast, the participant moves his or her fleshly desires and selfish nature aside in order to actively seek a deeper connection with God.

WHAT DOES FASTING LOOK LIKE?

Y’all, I know this next one may be a difficult truth to accept, but be open-minded. 

“You cannot fast AND be hangry at the same time!”

This is a serious oxymoron! Think about it: if you are ignoring your fleshly desires temporarily, then why would you be glorified to be in your feelings?! Doesn’t make sense right?  Hey, don’t shoot the messenger.  I don’t make the rules. 

What I can do is offer a word of encouragement.  If you are fasting and find yourself hangry, stay the course.  Eventually, you’ll learn the lesson.  God had to teach me too.  In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, “Hangry” is an adjective used to describe someone who is bad-tempered or irritable as a result of being hungry or famished. Years ago, when fasting was extremely new to me, my co-workers shared an observation. They identified my unusual lack of patience and quick irritability to be a clear indicator that I was doing a fast.  God eventually led me to this scripture. 

16 “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Matthew 6:16-18

Why?

Fasting can be beneficial for God’s people. It helps us bridge the gap between our spirit and God’s spirit. Check out this acronym: G.A.P.

Guidance– After Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in Matthew 4, the Spirit led him into the wilderness.  This is where Jesus was tempted by the devil, not once but THREE times!  Jesus passed each test of denying any fleshly inclination of pride.  If the devil had come to me saying “IF you’re a child of God, prove it,” I would have jumped to defend my name and my character.  Jesus didn’t.  Fasting should make us humble too, y’all.  

Apply God’s Word– Jesus has an advantage here. After all, He was the Word made flesh as seen in John 1:14. Jesus doesn’t fall for the tricks of the devil. Instead, when the “tempter” suggested Jesus prove Himself and make the stones into bread, Jesus replied and told the devil what the word of God says. Here’s the kicker, y’all: How can we tell the devil what God’s word says if a. we don’t read it or b. we don’t believe God’s word is true.

Preparation– When Jesus’ fast was finished, He was ready for the next phase of His life. Jesus left his home town of Nazareth to launch His ministry.  Matthew 4:13-16 tells us that Jesus went to Galilee and settled in Capernaum, after He heard John the Baptist was arrested.  As Jesus moved in alignment with God’s will, He fulfilled what was prophesied about Him by Isaiah several years earlier.  Jesus tagged into the ministry that John the Baptist had been forced to abandon—Jesus began to preach repentance to the people.  He also started gathering His disciples. 

WHEN DO WE NEED TO FAST?

Yes, I said “we,” as in the plural of “you” and “I.”  While it may sound like I’m volunteering you, fasting was part of Jesus’ command for HIS followers. In fact, Jesus was very clear about it.  In Matthew 9:14-15, Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist that HIS own disciples are to fast when Jesus leaves them. 

14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

In Acts 1:9, the disciples watched as Jesus was taken up toward heaven in a cloud.  Ladies and Gentlemen, this means anyone and everyone who has confessed belief in Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior has been instructed to fast.  The next time a discussion around fasting comes up and you feel an inclination to participate, remember it’s part of your responsibility as a follower of Christ.