To begin with, it is clear that the Bible does not command us Christians to fast. Our gracious God does not require or demand such behavior from us. However, the Bible tells us that fasting offers myriad benefits and advantages. Fasting is considered to be good and profitable. We can read in Acts 13:2 and 14:23 about believers who fasted prior to making very important decisions. When we think about fasting, it is not just about abstaining from all or some kinds of food and drink. Fasting must be interlinked with prayers (Luke 2:37; 5:33). The focus of fasting is not just about depriving yourself with food or drink; its purpose is to take our pleasures, desires, and eyes off the things of this world. We are eliminating our worldly wants and desires and setting our focus completely on God.
One of the best ways to demonstrate our love for God and express our serious and sincere relationship with Him is through fasting. Fasting gives us Christians new perspective and renews our reliance upon God. Our dependence on God becomes more real and even stronger. Our hearts, minds, and souls are more refreshed and rejuvenated once we fast. We are giving up certain things in life that we want or need in order to maintain focus and channel all our attention to God (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). It is important to note that fasting should only be done for a limited span of time and as the Holy Spirit leads you to. You don’t want to fast for many days or weeks to the point where your body feels sick and weak. Fasting should be a healthy way of redirecting our attention to God.
A Very Satisfying Relationship
It is wrong to think that fasting is a “dieting method”. Biblical fasting is not about losing weight; rather, it is about forgetting our worldly cravings and directing our hunger or longing to God. By doing this, we gain a deeper and more heartfelt understanding of our relationship with God. Fasting is one way of cultivating an earnest relation with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are searching for ways to draw closer to God, then you can pray and fast. In doing so, you will be able to experience an overwhelming reliance on God, which is good and satisfying. Yes, believe it or not, craving and longing for God can satisfy your soul. It is said in Psalm 107:9, “He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (ESV)
There are some important things you need to keep in mind when fasting. You don’t want to fast because you want to become a holier Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (ESV) Fasting should remain between you and God, and it should help you become a humbler Christian.
The Power of Fasting
Always remember that fasting changes you. It is true that fasting and prayer are powerful, which can lead to miracles. By fasting, we gain more understanding of how limited we are and how helpless we are in every situation without the grace and power of God. Fasting reminds us that we are creatures who need God. Keep in mind that God does take special delight in those who show their helplessness in fasting. God will surely give you greater knowledge of Himself or a deeper realization of our dependence on His grace and the love of Jesus. Fasting moves us and gives us joy and contentment that only He can provide.
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