Fasting: The Christian’s Spiritual Reset
The Heart of Biblical Fasting
While not commanded, fasting appears throughout Scripture as a voluntary spiritual discipline that:
- Sharpens focus on God (Joel 2:12-13)
- Accompanies crucial decisions (Acts 13:2-3)
- Intensifies prayer (Luke 2:36-37)
It’s less about giving up food and more about taking up God’s presence.
Modern Fasting Possibilities
| Traditional Fast | Contemporary Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Abstaining from food (Esther 4:16) | Social media, entertainment, shopping (1 Corinthians 7:5) |
| Partial fast (Daniel 10:3) | Negative speech, complaining (Psalm 141:3) |
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness… to share your bread with the hungry?”
— Isaiah 58:6-7
Three Warning Signs of Wrong Fasting
- Performance-based: Using fasting to earn God’s favor (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Prideful: Flaunting spiritual discipline (Luke 18:9-14)
- Physical extremes: Harming the body God calls His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
How to Fast Right
Practical guidelines:
- Set clear parameters: Duration and type (1 day? 3 meals?)
- Replace the void: Mealtime → prayer time; social media → Scripture
- Listen to your body: Consult doctors for health conditions
- Break fast wisely: Light meals; thank God for provision
The True Reward
Fasting isn’t about twisting God’s arm but about:
- Resetting spiritual priorities (Matthew 4:4)
- Increasing sensitivity to the Spirit (Acts 13:2)
- Developing self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
As you empty yourself temporarily, you create space for God to fill you eternally.
