What does it mean to fast?
In my early journey with Christ, I engaged in several fasts, although I didn’t fully understand their purpose or how to do them properly. I simply knew that fasting was a common practice among Christians, and God graciously supported me during those times. However, the last fast I held being a 7-day water fast I found it to be extremely hard. There was a point where I nearly passed out, but by the goodness of God I managed to complete it without giving into eating. This experience left me feeling disheartened, and since then, I’ve struggled to commit to another fast. Eventually, I began to question the necessity of fasting, wondering what it offers that prayer alone does not. If you’ve found yourself pondering similar questions, this article is meant for you.
Fasting, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, means abstaining from food for a certain duration, a concept echoed in the Bible, particularly in Esther 4:16. While I haven’t found a comprehensive definition of fasting in the Bible itself, my personal definition of a fast is that it’s a personal act of worship that invites us to spend intentional time with God free from distractions.
Purpose of fasting
Fasting serves as a profound means to deepen our connection with God by prioritizing our spiritual needs over physical ones. By engaging in fasting, we demonstrate humility and our dependence on God, echoing Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 4:4 that true sustenance comes from His words. Additionally, Fasting serves as a vital way to seek God’s guidance. As a young believer, I’ve often heard the importance of living a life that honors God and aligns with His will. However, I sometimes struggle to understand how to achieve this. The common advice is to read the Bible, as it reflects God’s will, but I often find myself unsure of where to start or how to interpret what I read. To make it easier, I try to pray before diving into Scripture, but I still face challenges, especially when distractions arise. For me, fasting is a purposeful way to eliminate those distractions, allowing me to listen to God’s voice more clearly.
When should you fast?
The straightforward answer is when you need God’s help. I say this because there are various reasons to consider fasting some reasons being:
- To Align yourself with God’s will: Fasting combined with prayer is a powerful way to seek God’s direction in our lives. I want to emphasize prayer as it plays a vital part, because it transforms the act of abstaining from something into a deeply spiritual experience. A notable example is found in Acts 13:2-3, where early church leaders engaged in fasting and prayer to understand God’s purpose for their mission, leading to the Holy Spirit’s direction to set apart Barnabas and Saul for their calling.
- To Repent and have Renewal: This form of fasting provides an opportunity to confess our sins, convey our sorrow for our wrongdoings, and demonstrates our commitment to reestablishing a life of obedience to God. In the book of Joel, God invites His people to turn back to Him through fasting and prayer, saying, “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12).
- To Gain Deliverance: This type of fasting is frequently emphasized in the Bible as a way to triumph over adversities or enemies. This practice is typically done in community, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 20:3-4. But based on circumstances it may be done individually. It’s important to approach fasting with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How long should you fast for?
As I reflect on this question, Ecclesiastes 12:12 comes to mind, because I often view the Bible as a helpful study guide for navigating life’s tests. After years in school and now in a career that demands ongoing education, I’ve learned to concentrate solely on what’s essential. My guiding principle has become “nothing more, nothing less,” which means I strive to study just enough to pass the test and avoid unnecessary studying that leads to me being burnout. Afterall knowing all the correct answers is pointless if I’m too drained to perform well on the day of the test. With that being said here’s a list of examples of ideal durations to aim for:
- Partial Day Fast: seen in Judges 20:26 and 2 Samuel 1:12.
- 3-Day Fast: seen in Esther 4:16 and Acts 9:9.
- 7-Day Fast: seen in 1 Samuel 31:13.
- 14-Day Fast: seen in Acts 27:33.
- 21-Day Fast: seen in Daniel 10:3.
- 40-Day Fast: seen in Deuteronomy 9:9 and Matthew 4:2.
How to Do a Biblical Fast ?
If you’re considering a fast, I recommend looking at Isaiah 58, which highlights God’s expectations for us during this period, stressing that our aim should be to please Him instead of ourselves. Additionally, there are other biblical passages that discuss the proper approach to fasting, which are listed below for your convenience.
- Fast with Genuine Intent: Jesus emphasizes that fasting should be approached with true sincerity and humility, rather than as a means to impress others or seek their approval, as highlighted in Matthew 6:16-18.
- Keep your focus on God: When fasting, it’s important to pair it with prayer and devotion, aiming to connect with God rather than merely avoiding food. In Joel 2:12-13, God invites His followers to genuinely turn back to Him.
- Fast with a desire to help others: True fasting goes beyond simply avoiding food; it encompasses living a righteous life and showing compassion to others. In Isaiah 58:6-7, God outlines the type of fasting that pleases Him.
Resources
- “Fasting in the Bible: Scriptures on Fasting’s Meaning and Importance.” Christianity.com, www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/fasting-in-the-bible-scriptures-on-meaning-and-importance.html.
- “Fasting.” Dictionary.cambridge.org, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fasting.
- Sanchez, Lauren. “What Exactly Is Fasting All About?” Bible Study Tools, Salem Web Network, 19 Aug. 2019, www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-exactly-is-fasting-all-about.html.