I’ll be honest, I find the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting one of the hardest of all the disciplines!
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting is actually about the heart. For instance, as Christians, we fast because we are commanded to in scripture but also to quiet our souls in order to wholeheartedly focus on God. Fasting enables us to clear away the clutter of our lives to make space to hear from Jesus. In Matthew 6:16-18 God gives a picture of how to fast and caution as well, he challenges us to have pure motives about how and why we fast (Matthew 6:16-18). If we pursue fasting with a wrong heart it’s all for naught.
Fasting is a form of worship. In every sense it is about God, soaking in his holiness, thoughts, ideas, and gaining clarity from his Word. In order to have success in fasting, we must worship God in spirit and truth. Step number one in fasting is repentance. Oh, the freeing power of forgiveness can give you the strength and power to start a fast.
“First, let [fasting] be done unto the Lord
with our eye singly fixed on him.
Let our intention herein be this,
and this alone,
to glorify our Father which is in heaven.”
– John Wesley
When we think of biblical fasting we most often think of fasting from food for a specific amount of time. I highly recommend everyone participate in this kind of fasting as it not only has spiritual benefits but health benefits too. However, there are many other areas of our life that can become toxic to our faith that we may need to fast from. In our busy sexualized culture, taking a media fast is necessary from time to time. How might we experience freedom in our lives if we gave up all media for a week, a month?
We now know that the primary purpose of fasting is worship. But there are many other secondary benefits of fasting. As Richard Foster states, “Fasting helps us keep our balance in life. How easily we begin to allow nonessentials to take precedence in our lives. How quickly we crave things we do not need—until we are enslaved by them. ” I think that God understands that it doesn’t take much for us to get off balance and we need to be gently helped back onto the path of righteousness. I am so thankful that God, in his ultimate wisdom has provided us with the help we need!
I have to admit that I have come to the spiritual discipline of fasting, well, slowly. I first started my fasting journey by giving up food for a day and at the same time devote the day to prayer, worship, and listening. Seeking peace and clarity about issues that were troubling me. As a result, I found it incredibly helpful in the areas of discernment, increased concentration, and physical wellbeing. Starting my fasts with repentance, set me free to experience God’s presence! In this stage of my life, I find that I may fast for a meal, but more often I find fasting from my phone, computer, television, basically, any form of media especially helpful and focusing. Worshiping God in those quiet spaces brings me into his presence and yields much comfort and peace.
Creative Ideas For Fasting
- social media
- gossiping
- using a car
- television
- take out
- coffee
- video games
- cell phone
- critical comments
- secular music
- top 3 apps on your phone
- sleeping in
- alcohol
- watching/reading the news
- shopping
- seeking approval of others
- noise
- sleeping on a pillow
- chocolate
- online shopping
- naps
- snacks
GO DEEPER
YOUR TURN…
What are your tips or concerns about the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting?
Blessings,
*Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to fast from food.
