Should I Fast or Not..?

"If you say "I will fast when God lays it on my heart," you never will. You are too cold and indifferent to take the yoke upon you."  - Dwight L. Moody

From time to time, the topic of fasting comes up in conversation with other Christians. And although it isn't as widely practiced as it once was, there is still enough interest about it out there to warrant a brief discussion on the subject.

It's probably a good idea to first define fasting as it applies to believers, so here goes. Fasting is the abstinence from food for religious purpose. Also, contrary to what some may think, there is no command to fast either in the Old or New Testament. God doesn't require it or call for it from Christians.

Meanwhile, the Bible does show fasting as something acceptable, profitable, and beneficial. For example, it was widely practiced in Old Testament times as shown in: Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6, 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12; 12:22-23; 1 Kings 21:27; 1 Chronicles 10:12; Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4, to name a few references.

Acts 13:2; 14:23 are some New Testament examples showing believers fasting prior to making important decisions. Luke 2:37; 5:33 present instances where fasting and prayer are linked together. Far to often, the focus of fasting is placed on the lack of food. Which is where a lot of the confusion arises. One must careful not to fast for the wrong reasons.

The whole purpose of fasting should be to tune out everything else that's going on in the world and our lives and focus completely on God. In this way, our fasting becomes a means of showing God, and ourselves, that we are really serious about our relationship.

It also helps us to renew our dependence on God, and look at Him in a totally new way. The religious leaders of Jesus' day had reduced fasting to a system. This placed the merit of fasting on the act rather than God. In other words, it became more of a bragging point than anything else.

Naturally, if you do choose to fast, limit your fasting to a set time wherever food is involved. This is especially true if you have medical issues such as diabetes where an extended period of not eating might compromise your health. When in doubt, always consult your physician before any fast!

Here a few important details to keep in mind. We fast not to get God to do what we want. It (fasting) changes us, not God. Neither is it a way of showing-off how spiritual we are. It should be performed in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude (Matthew 6:16-18).

And while it may not be practical to fast from food, for example, most of us can give up something for a short time in order to bring ourselves closer to God. The basic purpose of a biblical fast is to gain a deeper fellowship with God, plain and simple. And when fasting and prayer are combined...Wow!

Scripture: Matthew 4:4; Isaiah 58:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 14:12

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to stop and listen for Your direction. and thank You for offering gentle grace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey