These were the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:16-17. With just that statement alone we would be wise not to treat fasting as some ancient practice that has no place in 21st Century Christianity. These same verses also tell us that any discipline of fasting should not become some religious show and tell!
So what is the point? Is it some sort of physical ‘arm-twisting’ approach to persuade God to show up or answer prayer? No, not at all.
Fasting is for our benefit, not God’s. It achieves several things and it can be done in several ways i.e. not just missing food.
If we consider what fasting might accomplish, that will help us see fresh ways of fasting.
- Fasting heightens the feelings of need, want and desire thus focusing our attention
- Fasting redeems time that was otherwise regularly occupied in our day
By achieving the redemption of time and focusing our attention through self-denial we are able to use this to focus on God, an area needing prayer and petition and the Word of God itself.
Fasting can be used to heighten a hunger for God’s Word
When Jesus fasted in the wilderness and was tempted he responded by saying “People do not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4; referring to Deuteronomy 8:3… “we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD).
Job said “I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.” (Job 23:12) When I feel that hunger pain, I turn my attention to God’s Word and make that my prayer to God. I treasure this book more, I treasure these promises more and declare “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103). I could replace food or honey for words like television, reading, exercise, Facebook, Social Media, mobile phone etc. The issue is not what object we lay aside by fasting from it, but what objective we have by doing so.
Fasting can be used to heighten a hunger for God’s presence
“The day will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35). This was a comment made by Jesus when he was challenged as to why the disciples were not fasting. Therefore through fasting we can focus our attention on praying for God’s permanent return (The Second Coming) and also those God moments in life when we need breakthrough i.e. Matthew’s House.
Some tips
- Have a clear reason to fast – God’s Word, breakthrough, presence etc.
- Fasting is a discipline, train yourself and build up slowly i.e. one meal, day etc.
- Physical fasting needs sensible decisions i.e. drinking water, right pre & post food
- Do not miss meals if you have certain medical conditions i.e. diabetes
- Have a plan for when the hunger/temptation pains come i.e. verses to pray out
- Fasting with a few others can help encourage, strengthen and focus attention
Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions.
