First person: Neglected truths on the concept of fasting

Through the years, many of us have neglected fasting as a spiritual discipline. With Passion Week and Resurrection Sunday rapidly approaching, I think it is important to remind each of us of six often neglected truths on fasting:

1. Christ assumed Christians would fast (Matt. 6:16–18; 9:15). Fasting is a beautiful practice where a Christian denies himself or herself something specific to allow more time to focus on the Lord. Read what John Piper stated slowly: “The absence of fasting in our lives is the measure of contentment with the absence of Christ in our lives.” Wow!

2. Fasting is for God (Zech. 7:5–6). Fasting is not about you or me. John Wesley correctly declared, “First let it [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.”

3. Fasting helps put ourselves in submission to God (1 Cor. 6:12–14; 9:24–27; Phil. 3:19). Bill Bright remarked, “Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us.”

4. Fasting and prayer go together (Matt. 17:16–21). During a season of fasting, set aside definite times for prayer on a daily and weekly basis. You deny yourself to allow more time to focus on God in prayer.

5. Fasting is often followed by the power of the Spirit (Mark 1:12–15). Not only do we find Jesus fasting and praying before the launch of His ministry, but we also see a connection between fasting and mighty moves of God throughout Church history. For example, George Whitefield and Charles Wesley spent extensive time praying and fasting before the Great Awakening.

6. Various Types of Fasts:

1. Normal fast. Total abstinence from food while subsisting on water or fruit juices (Luke 4:2). You may wish to fast each week a 24-hour fast (begin fasting after supper one evening and break the fast at supper the next day).
2. Daniel fast (Dan. 1:1–21; 10:3). Fruits and vegetables may be eaten. Water and fruit juices are acceptable drinks. No meats.
3. Specific food or beverage fast. Fast coffee, tea, colas, sweets, breads and so forth. Choose whatever the Lord leads. Every time you desire that pleasure, focus on Christ.
4. Entertainment or recreational fast. This fast can be absolute for the prescribed fasting period (such as cutting out social media, golf, etc., altogether or partially, for example, denying oneself television during a particular time of the day) to allow time for prayer and Bible reading. Again, allow the Lord to lead.

Fasting is a spiritual journey; there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s essential to approach fasting with a humble and sincere heart, seeking God’s guidance.

Will you deny yourself something so that you can spend more time focusing on Christ leading up to Easter? Please consult your physician before undertaking a food fast. To God alone receive all the glory!