(This is part 5 of a 5 part series on spiritual disciplines, check out part 1, part 2, part 3, & part 4)
Last week I talked about 2 ways fasting gets off track from what Jesus intended when He said, “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15). You can read the post HERE.
So what did Jesus mean when He said that? How can we fast well?
Biblical Fasting
Religious fasting and Diet Fasting make the focus all about ourselves. Christian fasting is all about God.
John Piper writes in his book A Hunger for God, “Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God.”
Most people see fasting as a huge burden. We focus on what we have to give up–like food, phone, or caffeine.
In reality, fasting is a gift! Fasting is about what we GAIN!
God has given us the practice of fasting to benefit us. It grows us. It shapes our hearts and orients them more towards God. That brings Him glory!
Fasting says, “I am hungry in this world but you, God, make me full.” It is a declaration that God is the ultimate satisfaction. We get more of God when we give up some of the world. That’s the idea we must learn to cultivate if we want our fasting to be fruitful and biblical.
It’s easier said than done.
Of course, we know God is more satisfying than a snack! But in the moment, I want that treat or that drink so badly! Fasting is a powerful reminder of the weakness of my flesh and the lure it has on my life. Fasting helps keep my desires in check and remind me of what truly satisfies.
What an incredible reminder!! This practice has the potential to seriously impact your faith and your walk with God!
So how do you do it?
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE:
The simplest way to start is to skip your next breakfast and use that time to pray and read the Bible. You can do it!
I know with fasting there are often lots of questions so I wanted to answer some of the most common. If you have more feel free to ask them in the comments.
- Why Fast?
In Scripture, we see examples of why people fast. Below are a few.
- Dependence on the Lord
- Strength against temptation
- Spiritual wisdom and direction
- Selection of leaders
- To confess and repent
Here is a PDF worksheet that I use with students as an overview of fasting in the Bible.
The first time you choose to fast pick something specific that you want to ask God. Seek Him out for some extra time during those times you would normally be eating. Maybe it’s 15 minutes during lunch. That’s extra time you get to spend with Him,
- How long should you fast?
It depends. Fasts can last any amount of time. John Piper says it is, “A test to see what desires control us.” If you wrestle with pride, anger, or bitterness they are likely to come out during a fast. We normally numb those pains with food or other distractions. A fast should be long enough to allow those desires to be met with prayer and faith rather than with food.
***Obviously there are some people who should NOT fast. Do not fast if you have diabetes, anemia, cancer, eating disorders, are pregnant, or have chronic problems with any major organs. If you are planning a fast longer than one day talk to your doctor about how to do that.
- What happens when you fast?
You get bad breath!
Richard Foster has one of the best descriptions of the physical processes that take place when we fast. He walks through day 1 to day 40. Essentially the hunger pangs you feel the first few days aren’t true hunger. Your body is just whining.
His book on spiritual disciplines is one of the best. He has a chapter in there on fasting. I’ve included a link to it below.
- Is fasting from food only?
Typical fasts in the Bible are from food. That is the normal pattern in Scripture. Occasionally they fast from water or other things. However, there is no reason to think fasting must be limited to food.
This isn’t a performance for God. It’s connecting with God. If fasting from coffee, TV or your phone makes you hunger for God more then go for it.
- What do I tell people? I don’t want to be weird.
We are social people and much of our days revolve around food. If you’re like me, you don’t want to be showy and have to tell everyone you are fasting all day. So what do you do?
If I’m fasting for one day I think it’s appropriate to back out of some of the social commitments. If it’s a meal with friends I Just say I can’t make it. I’ll say I have a “prior commitment.” It just happens that commitment is with God!
I try to be strategic on the days and times I fast so as to not disrupt too much with my family or work.
Don’t make a big deal and tell people if you don’t have to. That’s what Jesus warned against in Matthew 6:16 when he criticized the people’s fasting to”be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.“
Don’t be afraid of a mint or stick of gum to help with the bad breath. No one needs to smell your fast.
Conclusion:
What if fasting was the holy habit that stirred your affection for God more than any other this year? What if you are unsatisfied in your walk with God because you are too satisfied with the things of the world.
I believe fasting can stretch our self-control muscles to make us want the things of the world less and want the things of God more.
When are you going to start?
Resources:
This is obviously a quick overview and some practical tips. I want to post things on this site that you can immediately try putting into practice. If you want to dive deeper into what the Bible says about fasting please check out these 2 books. They have been helpful for me!
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