The topic or practice of fasting is not one that is frequently discussed. When, and if, the idea of fasting is brought up, it’s usually accompanied by a lot of very good questions: Who? What? When? How? Why? All of these are wrapped together and tethered from a biblical perspective. Then, at some point, the conversation often shifts to a personal question: “Do you fast, and what are the results?”
The following paragraphs are simply a reflection of my personal experiences and observations about fasting, not scholarly, comprehensive, or definitive.
For me, fasting as a spiritual discipline began not long after I became a follower of Jesus. Thankfully, I had a great mentor at the time. We talked about spiritual practices; he modeled them and walked with me on the journey. Being new to faith and spiritually immature, I started out by fasting for three days at a time, occasionally stretching to seven days. That was quite a challenge, but thanks to being reasonably healthy, it was doable.
As I looked further into Scripture, I discovered that the duration of fasting varied greatly—sometimes it was one day, sometimes seven, and everything in between. In some cases, people fasted until evening. And in the case of Jesus in the wilderness: forty days and forty nights. That, to me, seems like an example of His supernatural ability.
At this point in my life, I fast for one day each week. Of course, everyone should evaluate their own situation and decide whether going without food is wise. For some, fasting from certain foods might be a better choice. For example, I gave up desserts during Lent this year—another year, I gave up chips. (Those happen to be two of my favorite food groups.)
Is fasting only about not eating food—or certain foods? If you look strictly at the meaning of the word “fast,” then yes. In the New Testament, the Greek word for “fast” means “to abstain from food.” In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word means “to cover over the mouth.” So, the original intent clearly involved abstaining from food. In those cultures, nearly everything revolved around work and food—food and work. One existed to get the other. There was no vacation, no entertainment industry, no screen time. God commanded rest from work one day each week—Shabbat. Fasting, then, was abstaining from food. Both were acts of worship and obedience.
I was especially grateful for our church’s study and sermon series last year on Practicing the Way. In his book, John Mark Comer pointed out that fasting can also involve temporarily eliminating other parts of daily life that hold significance or priority. Examples might include screen time—whether all screen time or just certain aspects like social media, news, entertainment streaming, Googling, or scrolling the internet. You might also consider fasting from your favorite pastime or sport.
About two years ago, I decided to begin the new year with a month without cable news—something I used to consume excessively. After that month, we disconnected all cable pathways into our home. I don’t miss it. I don’t want it back.
Let’s be honest—none of this abstaining sounds fun or desirable. So why do it? What’s the benefit? Scripture offers several reasons for fasting:
- Confession and Repentance: A Time to acknowledge our sin and commit to change—to follow God more closely and consistently.
- Mourning: An expression of sorrow over loss—whether our own or the losses of others.
- Petitioning and Pleading: A time to seek God’s help, favor, protection, healing, restored relationships, and relief.
- Seeking Direction and Guidance: A time to discern God’s will and purpose as we make decisions about how to use our time, energy, and resources—decisions about jobs, serving, marriage, moving, and other significant changes.
- Calling and Commitment: A time to seek God’s blessing over people (including ourselves) who are responding to His call to ministry and leadership in the church.
All of these are about drawing closer to God and sensing His presence with us. As James 4:8 says,
“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
The Bible has much to say about fasting. I believe the clearest instructions are given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). In Matthew 6:16–18, He tells us both how to fast—and how not to fast:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
There’s a saying: “Begin with the end in mind.” As I begin a time of fasting, I try to remember this simple prayer from a man who lived hundreds of years ago:
“O that I may know You more clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly, day by day.”
Amen.
