The What, Why, and How of Fasting
Fasting is one of those practices that Christians know about vaguely and know that they’re probably supposed to be doing it, and yet don’t really do it. The following article hopefully demystified this critical spiritual discipline.
What is fasting?
Simply put, fasting is choosing to abstain from food for a set period of time for spiritual purposes. In the Bible, a fast, like a feast, was a response to a sacred moment, but specifically moments of redirection or major life change, of awareness of sin, or of tragedy. Because biblical fasts vary in frequency and duration, and even in what foods are abstained from, God’s people have freedom in practicing a fast.
That being said, the Bible does give us some insight on what fasting should look like. For example, in the Old Testament, God often called his people to particular times of fasting (e.g. Ezra 8:21, Nehemiah 9:1, Joel 1:14). Individuals also engaged in one-time fasts as well as recurring fasts. King David, for example, fasted on behalf of his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16), a clear case of a one-time fast. Consistent times of fasting had also developed by the time of the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 8:19).
As far as what foods to fast, the only indication we have occurs in Daniel 1:12 and Daniel 10:2-3. In the first case, Daniel ate only vegetables (and probably fruits) and drank only water. In the second case, the prophet says that he "ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth." Although two separate occasions, these criteria are often combined and called a "Daniel fast," in which only water, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods are consumed. We believe that this gives believers freedom to undertake other non-absolute fasts as well. Often, however, biblical fasting refers to abstaining from all food, only drinking water, such as Jesus' fast in the desert.
The Bible does not set a specific time limit on fasts, allowing a believer to fast anywhere from one meal to three days or more. A fast of more than three days will often include some type of sustenance, however.
Why should you fast?
The Bible asserts a strong connection with the mind and the spirit. This is why, for example, we are told to worship God with both. The spiritual can affect the physical, and the physical can affect the spiritual. Fasting subjects our natural appetite for sustenance, and in so doing, allows our spirit to break from wordly concerns and focus on our relationship with God.
As Richard Foster notes, Jesus' first teaching "about fasting dealt with the question of motive.” It is easy to make fasting about ourselves, but the purpose of fasting is to more fully know our Creator. It's about Him. So before beginning a fast, you must ask yourself: Why am I doing this? If your answer is because you want to lose weight or because it will somehow make you more holy or because you hope to bend God's will to fit your own, you need to seriously reconsider your fast.
Although the primary focus of fasting is to know God more by having our will come into line with His, God also accomplishes many other things through fasting. He often reveals to us the ways in which we disregard His commands. David tells us that he "humbled [his] soul with fasting" (Psalm 69:10)l; God revealed to David his own pride. Similarly, Jesus reminds us that food is less important than doing God's will. In John 4:34, Jesus says, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, to accomplish his work." Through fasting, we can more fully understand that we have a Sustainer greater than any food source.
In a consumer-focused culture, giving up something, especially something as basic as food, seems rather pointless. It's not as if eating intrinsically inhibits your prayer life or your ability to worship God. However, when you purposefully abstain from this basic necessity, the Spirit trains your will, enabling you to resist sin more effectively. In fasting, your prideful self begins to break down, and you are better positioned to be filled with the fullness of Christ.
How should you fast?
Although the Bible does not give us clear instruction on how to fast, there are some practical principles we should be aware of that many ancient cultures (and some current cultures) were quite familiar with. For example, if you have never fasted, it's best to ease into it. Abstain from one meal or two consecutive meals. Drink plenty of water and consider drinking fresh fruit juices. Also consider beginning with a partial fast, such as the Daniel fast, before undertaking a complete fast.
It is also generally a good idea to ease into and out of a fast. Start by removing sugary foods/drinks and caffeine out of your diet a day or two in advance of your fast. Because your stomach will slightly shrink during a fast, it is important to slowly reintroduce solid foods into your regimen. (You can find practical guides to fasting here and here.)
However, you must remember that fasting should be undertaken first and foremost as a spiritual act. As you fast, spend extra time praying, reading God's Word, and praising Him. Otherwise, a fast only serves the purpose of making you feel uncomfortable.
One last note, remember that Jesus said that fasting is between you and God (Matthew 6:16-18). Because of this, showing obvious signs of discomfort to others only hurts you. It makes it appear as if you are only fasting to be recognized by others as somehow more holy. However, this does not exclude you from telling someone else that you will be fasting in order that they might help hold you accountable. In fact, it is a great idea for spouses and friends to join together in fasting and prayer in order to encourage one another.
Although this can be a tough discipline, we pray that God use this discomfort to speak into our lives.
