Fasting is a spiritual practice in which a person abstains from eating food or drinking liquids for a set period of time.
Fasting is mentioned many times in the Bible. It was often practised by prophets, kings and certain people who sought God’s favour. Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert before beginning his public ministry.
What does the Bible tell us about the reasons for fasting? Here are some answers:
Fasting as a means of repentance
Fasting is often practised to express deep humility before God and to seek his forgiveness for sins committed. It is a way of repenting and changing our behaviour. The prophet in Joel 2:12-13 encourages the Israelites to turn from their sins and recognise their need for God. He calls for a real change of heart, not just outward acts of repentance.
Fasting helps to strengthen our relationship with God
By depriving ourselves of food and other pleasures, fasting allows us to concentrate more on prayer, meditation and reading the Bible. This can help to strengthen the relationship with God and grow spiritually Matthew 6:16-18 highlights the importance of practising fasting in a sincere and humble way, without seeking the approval of others, but rather focusing on a personal relationship with God.
Seeking divine guidance through fasting
Some people fast to seek God’s will for their lives. They hope to get answers to their prayers, advice or specific guidance during their time of fasting. The disciples, led by the Holy Spirit in Acts 13:2-3, decide to choose men for a specific mission. Before making this decision, they pray and fast to seek God’s will. This underlines the importance of fasting as a spiritual practice to draw closer to God and receive revelations about his will.
Fasting to overcome temptations and addictions
Fasting can be used as a means of resisting temptations and overcoming addictions or bad habits. By focusing on God and praying while fasting, we can find the strength we need to overcome these struggles. Jesus began his public ministry after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting in the desert (Luke 4:1-2). The Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 4:3-13 resists all the temptations of the devil, using the Word of God to respond to every trial.Fasting should not be practised ostentatiously or to impress others. Jesus taught the importance of fasting with humility and sincerity before God. Fasting must be practised with a pure heart and in intimacy with God. The prophet Isaiah, in chapter 58, explains in great detail that fasting is “a day for a person to humble himself”. Verse 6 of the same chapter tells us that it is fasting that God delights in.