Understanding Biblical Fasting
Fasting, in its simplest biblical definition, is the voluntary abstinence from food for a spiritual purpose. It is not merely a diet or a form of self-deprivation for health benefits, but a sacred discipline intended to draw the believer closer to God. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, fasting is presented as a powerful means of humbling oneself before the Almighty, seeking His face, and intensifying prayer. It signifies a profound earnestness in one's spiritual pursuit, demonstrating that one values communion with God more than the sustenance of the physical body. While often associated with abstaining from food, biblical fasting can also involve abstaining from other pleasures or activities to focus solely on the Lord. It is a time set apart, where the believer intentionally denies the flesh to elevate the spirit, thereby creating space for God's voice and His work.
The Purpose and Practice of Fasting in Scripture
The Bible reveals various motivations and contexts for fasting, illustrating its multifaceted role in the life of faith:
- Repentance and Humility: Fasting was often a corporate or individual expression of sorrow for sin and a plea for God's mercy. When Jonah preached to Nineveh, the king and his people proclaimed a fast, demonstrating their repentance.
- Seeking God's Guidance and Wisdom: Before making significant decisions or embarking on new ministries, believers fasted to gain clarity and direction from the Lord. Ezra called for a fast to seek a right way for their journey back to Jerusalem.
- Intercession and Deliverance: Fasting was employed when God's people faced grave threats or sought divine intervention for others. Esther called for a fast before approaching the king to save her people.
- Mourning and Distress: Fasting was also a natural expression of profound grief or lamentation. The men of Jabesh-gilead fasted for seven days after burying Saul and his sons.
- Spiritual Warfare and Breakthrough: Jesus Himself alluded to fasting's power in dealing with stubborn spiritual strongholds.
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
David likewise humbled himself with fasting.
I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
The early church fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
David fasted and prayed for his dying child.
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Biblical Examples of Fasting
The Scriptures provide numerous examples of individuals and communities engaging in fasting, highlighting its significance across different dispensations:
- Moses: He fasted for forty days and forty nights on Mount Sinai while receiving the law from God.
- David: The psalmist fasted when his infant son was ill, demonstrating deep anguish and earnest prayer for God's intervention.
- Daniel: The prophet engaged in a specific type of partial fast, abstaining from rich foods and wine, while seeking understanding and revelation from God.
- Jesus: Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, resisting temptation and preparing for His divine mission.
- The Early Church: The apostles and early believers regularly incorporated fasting into their spiritual practices, particularly when seeking God's will, appointing leaders, and embarking on missionary journeys.
- Absolute Fast: This involves abstaining from both food and water. This type of fast is rare and typically short in duration due to the dangers of dehydration. Esther called for such a fast, and Paul experienced one after his conversion.
- Normal Fast: This is the most common biblical fast, involving abstinence from all food but allowing water. This allows the body to maintain hydration while the spirit focuses on God. Most of the fasts mentioned in the Bible, unless specified otherwise, fall into this category.
- Partial Fast: This involves restricting the diet rather than complete abstinence. The "Daniel Fast" is a well-known example, where Daniel abstained from "pleasant bread," meat, and wine.
- Not for Show or Hypocrisy: Jesus strongly condemned those who fasted to be seen by men, emphasizing that true fasting is a private act between the individual and God.
- Not to Manipulate God: Fasting does not coerce God into granting desires or earning His favour. God's grace is freely given through Christ. Rather, fasting positions the believer in humility and dependence, making them more receptive to God's will and power. It is a sign of earnestness, not a bargaining chip.
- Accompanied by Prayer and Humility: Fasting is never an end in itself but a means to deepen prayer, cultivate humility, and sharpen spiritual sensitivity. It should lead to a greater awareness of one's dependence on God and a more fervent pursuit of His presence. Without genuine prayer and a humble spirit, fasting can become a mere ritual.
- More Than Just Abstaining from Food: The prophet Isaiah powerfully rebuked those who fasted outwardly but continued in sin and injustice. True biblical fasting involves a turning from wickedness and an active pursuit of righteousness and justice.
- Humble ourselves before God.
- Seek His face with greater intensity.
- Sharpen our spiritual discernment.
- Overcome fleshly desires and strengthen our spirit.
- Break through spiritual strongholds.
- Intercede effectively for others and for divine intervention.
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
These examples underscore that fasting is a deeply rooted and consistent practice in God's interaction with His people.
Different Forms of Fasting
While the core principle of abstaining for spiritual purposes remains, the Bible illustrates various forms of fasting:
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Such fasts should only be undertaken with extreme caution and, if prolonged, under medical supervision.
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
A partial fast can also involve abstaining from specific activities or forms of entertainment to dedicate more time and focus to God. The key is intentional denial for spiritual gain.
The Heart of the Matter: Warnings and Principles
While fasting is a powerful discipline, the Bible also provides crucial warnings and principles to ensure it is practiced with a pure heart and right motives:
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
The motivation must be sincere devotion to God, not human applause or recognition.
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
This passage highlights that genuine fasting extends beyond dietary restrictions to encompass a transformed life that reflects God's heart for justice, mercy, and compassion.
Conclusion: A Powerful Spiritual Discipline
Fasting, when practiced according to biblical principles and with a pure heart, remains a powerful and relevant spiritual discipline for believers today. It is a personal act of devotion, often led by the Holy Spirit, that enables us to:
It draws us closer to the Lord, aligns our will with His, and opens avenues for deeper intimacy and revelation. As with all spiritual disciplines, the efficacy of fasting lies not in the act itself, but in the attitude of the heart and the genuine desire to honor and seek God above all else. Believers are encouraged to prayerfully consider incorporating fasting into their spiritual walk, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in its practice for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.