Simply put, fasting is going without food for a particular period of time for spiritual reasons. Have you ever fasted? I may have missed a meal or two here or there, but unless it was intentionally meant for spiritual growth it doesn’t count. Dieting doesn’t count either.
In the Bible, we hear of fasting. The Jewish people would fast on the Day of Atonement. There were other times, too, both for an individual and involving everyone. You will recall Jesus fasted while in the wilderness. However, today in our mainstream churches the spiritual practice of fasting is not front and center.
Fasting is also a way of drawing closer to God. Since this section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount focuses on our relationship with our Creator, it is fitting that fasting should be included. When we refrain from food with the sole purpose of communion with God or to seek him or honor him alone, we can’t help but feel a closer, deeper connection. It’s a win-win opportunity.
Here again, in today’s passage, Jesus cautions us to not be like the hypocrites. Jesus has been calling out the behaviors of hypocrites in several of his examples of righteous living. I can just picture someone fasting and complaining about how hungry they are, holding their stomach, looking utterly devastated. They have ignored the true meaning and purpose for the fast. It’s not about them. Don’t draw attention to what you are doing. It’s between you and God. That’s what makes it special. Nobody else needs to know.
Many people over the years have used the discipline of fasting to call on God for a particular purpose. When we are able to shut out the noise of the whole world and focus only on God, great things will happen. Prayer and fasting go hand in hand. I read a great quote from Paul Yonggi Cho, pastor of the world’s largest church. He said, “We have seen that fasting and prayer causes one to become much more spiritually sensitive to our Lord, causing more power in one’s life to combat the forces of Satan.”
That alone should be enough reason for us to fast. I certainly want to be ready to combat the forces of Satan that are attacking me every day. But Jesus also promises us a reward from God when we fast in the right way. Answered prayer would be a great reward, don’t you think? Fasting has been known to reinforce prayer when asking for a particular blessing. An example from Jonah shows us that God can even change his mind.
When we fast, it is a sign of repentance and humility before God. We have set aside something, our food, and we open ourselves up to the majesty of God. Sin can hold us back from living the life God desires for us. When we fast, we are inviting a cleansing to begin. We are seeking God’s intervention in our lives.
What guidance do you need from God today? Is there a situation that seems to be festering and not improving? Do you have a big decision to make and want some divine direction? Maybe a day of fasting and prayer would be good for your soul.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you today on my knees. I humble myself before you so you can work in my life. Thank you that I can come to you and you know my heart. Calm my fears and show me Your way for my life. Help me to surrender to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
