“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:17-18
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is more than simply abstaining from food—it is a spiritual discipline that redirects our focus from earthly needs to heavenly dependence. Throughout Scripture, fasting is tied to prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s guidance. It is an intentional act of humbling ourselves before the Lord, acknowledging that we need Him more than anything else.
When Jesus taught about fasting in Matthew 6, He assumed that His followers would fast—He said, “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” This suggests that fasting is a normal part of a believer’s life. But how often do we approach fasting with this mindset? Do we see it as a vital aspect of our spiritual journey, or do we neglect it altogether?
Biblical Examples of Fasting
Fasting appears throughout the Bible in moments of deep spiritual significance:
- Moses fasted for forty days before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
- David fasted in sorrow and repentance (Psalm 35:13).
- Esther called for a three-day fast before risking her life to approach the king (Esther 4:16).
- Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness, preparing for His public ministry (Matthew 4:2).
Each of these examples shows that fasting is not about earning God’s favor but about drawing near to Him in dependence and humility.
The Heart of Fasting
True fasting is not merely an outward action; it is a posture of the heart. In Isaiah 58, God rebukes Israel for fasting in a way that focuses only on outward rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and righteousness. He declares:
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)
God desires a fast that results in spiritual transformation, one that leads to a greater love for Him and a greater love for others.
The Power of Fasting
Fasting is a way to seek God’s presence, overcome spiritual battles, and gain clarity in decision-making. In Acts 13:2-3, the early church fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. Fasting helps us to:
- Deepen our prayer life – When we fast, our hunger reminds us to turn to God in prayer.
- Break strongholds – Jesus said that some spiritual battles are only won through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
- Seek God’s direction – Fasting creates space for us to hear God’s voice more clearly.
- Cultivate self-discipline – It teaches us to rely on God rather than our physical cravings.
How to Fast
If you’ve never fasted before, consider starting with a short fast and gradually increasing the duration. Here are a few ways to fast:
- Complete Fast – Abstaining from all food, drinking only water or juice.
- Partial Fast – Giving up certain foods (such as Daniel’s fast of vegetables and water, Daniel 1:12).
- Intermittent Fast – Fasting for part of the day and breaking the fast in the evening.
- Non-Food Fast – Abstaining from distractions such as social media, entertainment, or other things that compete for your attention.
During your fast, spend time in prayer, Scripture, and worship. Let your hunger be a reminder to seek God more earnestly.
Reflection Questions
- What is one thing in your life that may be competing with your hunger for God?
- How can fasting help you deepen your relationship with Him?
- Are there specific burdens or decisions in your life that you need to bring before God in fasting and prayer?
Prayer
Father, You are my greatest need. Help me to hunger for You more than anything else. As I fast, draw me closer to Your presence, strengthen my faith, and align my heart with Yours. Let this time of fasting not be about ritual but about seeking You with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought
Fasting is not about earning God’s approval but about seeking His presence. When we fast with the right heart, we find that our greatest satisfaction comes not from food, but from the Bread of Life—Jesus Himself.
