Matthew 9:14-15 ESV Then the disciples of John came to Him saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast.”
Fasting is a practice that goes in and out of style among Christians. Fasting is of course, refraining from something, most commonly food, for a period of time. In the Old Testament God commanded that His people should fast at specific times. The purpose was always to prepare them for an encounter with God. Fasting was also done by men to show mourning or to entreat God’s favor.
In the New Testament fasting was also done when seeking God and preparing/purifying hearts for service (Acts 13:2 and 14:23). Even Jesus fasted before beginning His earthly ministry (Luke 4:1-3).
Nowhere in the Bible are Christians commanded to fast, but Jesus does seem to assume they will. In this passage Jesus says His disciples will fast after He has gone and in Matthew 6:16-17 Jesus twice uses the phrase, “When you fast.” I am not comfortable telling Christians they SHOULD or MUST fast since it is not a specific New Testament command, but I do encourage them to do so.
I personally have found fasting to be useful and helpful. While it is not something I practice on a regular basis, fasting has brought me clarity when listening to God. At times when seeking direction, I have found it easier to hear God clearly when fasting.
Fasting has documented health benefits as well. Regular periods of short fasts (16-72 hours) have been shown to help weight control, improve overall health, fight disease (including cancer and diabetes), and improve mental health. Such matters are not the main purpose of this blog but God did create our bodies and our health does have an effect on our availability to serve in certain situations.
As stated, I do encourage Christians to prayerfully consider fasting. However, fasting itself is not the goal. If so, then it becomes just another ritualistic activity. Other religions and philosophies are known for their fasts as well.
Our sole goal must be to draw closer to God. I have known people who have fasted in order to get God to answer a prayer in a certain way. That is manipulation, not seeking. I heard of one person who started a fasted and vowed to continue until God gave her what she wanted. That is not fasting, it is a hunger strike.
To be honest, I’m not exactly sure why fasting works. Perhaps it acknowledges our physical weakness. Perhaps it is just an act of obedience that pleases God. In any case, people who fast with a humble heart and a sincere desire to draw closer to God usually find it a meaningful experience.
Heavenly Father, help me to draw closer to You. Give me the proper attitude and discipline needed to accomplish that goal.