Biblical Fasting
Fasting, when done with the right intent and purpose, can be a profound spiritual practice that nurtures humility, deepens faith, and aligns believers more closely with God's will.
Fasting in the Bible
Fasting appears throughout the Bible, below are some examples:
Matthew 6:16-18:
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Isaiah 58:6:
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Joel 2:12:
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Acts 14:23:
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
How Fasting Humbles Us
Fasting is often seen as an act of humility because it involves a deliberate self-denial of physical needs (such as food) to deepen one's spiritual connection with God. It shifts focus from the physical to the spiritual, helping individuals recognize their dependence on God rather than worldly things.
Self-Reflection: Fasting provides time for introspection and self-examination, allowing individuals to recognize their faults and seek spiritual growth.
Psalm 69:10:
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
Dependence on God: By denying oneself of physical nourishment, individuals acknowledge their dependence on God for spiritual sustenance, demonstrating humility.
Matthew 4:4:
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Deuteronomy 8:3:
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Compassion: Fasting can foster empathy for those who are less fortunate, as the experience of hunger may help people relate to those who suffer from lack of food daily.
Isaiah 58:7:
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Submission to God's Will: Fasting can be an expression of submission to God's will, aligning oneself more closely with His purposes and commands, thereby showing humility.
James 4:10:
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Ezra 8:21:
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
Focus on Spiritual Growth: By setting aside physical desires, individuals can concentrate more fully on prayer, worship, and spiritual development.
Luke 2:37:
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Acts 13:2-3:
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
These scriptures reinforce the idea that fasting is not merely an external act but involves an inner transformation. It emphasizes humility, dependence on God, compassion towards others, submission to God's will, and dedication to spiritual growth.
When Should We Fast and For How Long?
The Bible doesn't prescribe specific regulations for when or how long to fast, but it does provide examples and contexts that can guide believers. Here are some instances that may offer insight:
Day of Atonement: In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was a day of fasting.
Leviticus 16:29-31:
And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you... It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.
Fasting During Times of Repentance and Seeking Guidance:
Jonah 3:5:
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Ezra 8:21-23:
Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek guidance from God for a safe journey.
Fasting During Mourning:
1 Samuel 31:13:
The men of Jabesh-Gilead fasted seven days after the death of Saul.
Jesus' Forty-Day Fast:
Matthew 4:1-2:
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.
Fasting and Prayer During Ministry Decisions:
The early church fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul for their ministry work.
Acts 13:2-3:
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Personal Fasts:
Individuals may be led to fast for personal reasons, such as seeking healing or guidance.
2 Samuel 12:16:
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
While these examples can guide when and how to fast, it's essential to approach fasting with the right heart and motivation. Personal conviction, communal practices, and the guidance of spiritual leaders might also influence the decision of when and how long to fast. Always consider your health and consult with knowledgeable individuals if you have questions about fasting in your context.
The Bible doesn't provide explicit details about whether or not drinking water is permitted during fasting. The descriptions of fasting in the Scriptures are often vague and focus more on the spiritual aspect rather than specific rules regarding food and drink.
In the case of extended fasts, such as Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2), it is commonly understood that water would have been consumed, even if the text does not specify it. Complete abstinence from water for such an extended period would lead to severe dehydration and death.
In various Christian traditions, there are different types of fasting, some of which might include drinking water or even consuming specific liquids like juices or broths. The choice often depends on the purpose of the fast, personal conviction, and physical needs.
The essential aspect of fasting, according to the Bible, seems to be the heart's attitude and the purpose behind the fast rather than strict rules about what can or cannot be consumed. It's an opportunity to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, or express repentance or mourning, rather than merely following a set of dietary guidelines.