Fasting: What's the Point?

For the next seven days we'll be looking at the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting. Of all the Disciplines, Fasting is probably the least practiced and the most misunderstood. While the Bible makes many references to fasting, in both the Old and New Testaments, modern-day Christians have, for the most part, avoided the practice altogether. Today, I'd like to explore our current attitudes toward Fasting.

One reason Richard Foster gives for the absence of Fasting in the Christian's life today, in his book, Celebration of Discipline, is that it may be a reaction to the abuses and excesses of the past. In Foster's words, " ... fasting has developed a bad reputation as a result of the excessive ascetic practices of the Middle Ages ... fasting was subjected to the most rigid regulations and practiced with extreme self-mortification and flagellation. Modern culture reacts strongly to these excesses and tends to confuse fasting with mortification."

But we mustn't let someone else's misuse and misunderstanding of the purpose for fasting, prevent us from seeing fasting's benefits. Of course, when I use the term Fasting, I am speaking of a Spiritual Discipline ... not a fast for political purposes, such as hunger strikes or fasting as a protest. Also, I'm not referring to a fast for health reasons. Many undertake a fast or partial fast to rid their bodies of toxins or to lose weight quickly. While these fasts have their place, the purpose for Spiritual Fasting is to heighten our awareness of God and strengthen our dependence on Him.

As Foster explains, "Fasting must forever center on God. It must be God-initiated and God-ordained. Like the prophetess Anna, we need to be “worshiping with fasting” (Luke 2: 37). Every other purpose must be subservient to God. Like that apostolic band at Antioch, “fasting” and “worshiping the Lord” must be said in the same breath (Acts 13: 2)."

Fasting can be of great Spiritual benefit, both for an individual or a group. However, unless our motive is to move into a deeper relationship with God ... to feed on his Word ... our Fast can quickly become self-serving and self-aggrandizing. During the duration of our fast (we'll talk about recommended time periods later this week), our focus needs to me on spiritual concerns ... not physical.

While a fast is safe and desirable for most people, there are some with health issues, such as diabetics and heart patients, as well as pregnant and  breast-feeding mothers, who should not undertake a fast. If there is any question of the safety of even a short fast, one should consult with their doctor first.

For the vast majority of us, however, Fasting, when done with the right spirit and the correct motivation, can bring us closer to God than we have experienced before.

Foster concludes, "Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4: 4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “All things hold together” (Col. 1: 17). Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting!"

I plan to "feast on God's Word alone"  sometime this week. I won't say which day or for how long. I want to avoid the pitfall of the Pharisee's of Christ's day who fasted for the world to see how spiritually superior they were. If God calls you to try Fasting, I pray that you find blessings beyond measure and food for your soul.