Fasting is when a person goes without food and/or drink for spiritual reasons. Some believe fasting can include doing without things such as cell phones or listening to music. It can certainly be helpful to push some things aside for a set amount of time such as cell phones as a way to draw closer to God. Even so, this is not the same as a biblical fast. Fasting in the Bible is always associated with abstaining from food and/or drink.
Examples Of Fasting In The Bible
The Bible is filled with examples of fasting. Before Esther brought her petition before the king on behalf of the Jews, she told all of the Jews to gather and fast for her. She said do not eat or drink for three days (Esther 4:16). When David pleaded with God for his child, the Bible says he fasted and spent the night lying on the ground (2 Samuel 12:16).
The New Testament says John’s disciples often fasted and prayed (Luke 5:33). Jesus himself fasted forty days and nights, after which it says he was hungry (Mathew 4:2). While a group of men were worshiping the Lord and fasting the Holy Spirit spoke to them in (Acts 13:2).
When To Fast
A fast can be done in many situations where guidance from God is needed. When Jehoshaphat received news that terrified him and was begging God for guidance, he ordered everyone in Judah to begin a fast (2 Chronicles 20:2-3). As Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches, they did so with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23).
A fast can be used in times of repentance. The Lord said, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12) There are times when fasting is required in addition to prayer, such as when the disciples tried to drive out the evil spirit from the boy. When they asked Jesus why they could not do so, he said to them, “This kind can come forth by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)
Abstaining from food is a way to assist us in walking after the Spirit instead of gratifying the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Anyone who has ever fasted for any considerable amount of time can testify as to the willpower it takes to deny oneself food while attempting to draw closer to God.
Biblical Advice For A Fast
(Mathew 6:16-18) doesn’t say if we fast, but when we fast. There is an assumption made that fasting will be part of a Christian’s life. We are told not to make it obvious that we are fasting as the hypocrites do, as they are only trying to gain the admiration of other people. Keep yourself so that it is not obvious to people you are fasting. God, who knows what you do in private, will reward you. Fasting and prayer can be a powerful combination that God responds to! (Ezra 8:23)
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