New Reminders: Fasting
by Ardith Hoff
People have been fasting since the ancient days of the Bible. The Bible records numerous accounts where people, cities, and nations have turned to God by fasting and praying. Self-denial was a regular spiritual practice in the Bible.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught a lesson about how to fast and how not to fast saying: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your father who is in the secret place; and your father who sees in secret will reward you openly” Matthew 6:16-2
We see that it is important not to brag to others about fasting. The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day used fasting to make everyone think that they were more spiritual than others. But Jesus tells us that fasting should be done in secret so that it can’t be used to bring glory to ourselves. Fasting should make us humble instead of proud. In the end it is not our works, but our hearts that matter to God. God promises to reward openly those who fast and pray in secret.
There are several specific reasons that the Bible tells us to fast: to be Christ-like, to seek spiritual purity, to repent of sins, to petition God for favors, to mourn for the dead, to request God’s help in times of crisis and calamity and to strengthen prayer. There are at least three types of individual fasts: absolute fast, solid food fast, and partial fast.
An absolute fast is abstaining from all food and water for a certain period. A solid food fast is where you may drink juice and water but choose not to eat solid food. A partial fast is where you choose to abstain from certain foods and drinks or deny yourself something. Some people choose to fast from their phone, television, computer, or a favorite activity. This will help free up some time to spend in prayer and reflection.
Many people never fast because they are afraid to do it or because they have never done it before or have never understood the value of it. We shouldn’t let fear or inexperience stop us from experiencing one of God’s greatest blessings. It does not need to be complicated. Do what you think might make your prayer life more meaningful.
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting…” Joel 2:12