God must consider fasting to be important. There are 92 separate passages in the scripture that refer to it. Many of the most significant names of the faith, including Moses, Elijah, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, and Paul, fasted in their journeys with God, and fasting played an important role in the life and ministry of Jesus.
We should consider fasting to remind ourselves of our dependence on God, the Creator, and Maker of all things. Fasting demonstrates our humility to God, but more importantly, it reminds us of this fact.
Another reason is to seek direction from the Lord. Seeking God’s guidance is very different than asking for something. For example, when 11 tribes of Israel conflicted with the tribe of Benjamin, those eleven tribes needed to know God’s will, so they fasted. The army fasted all day, and then they sought the Lord; “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?” (Judges 20:28, New International Version).
Another reason—and an important benefit for fasting—is the strengthening our self-control by disciplining the body. For example, as we say no to our appetite for food, we can develop the willpower to say no to other desires (1 Corinthians 9:27).
A Suggested Fast
Try abstaining from all food but not from water for 24 hours. Try from the time you get up in the morning until the same time the next day.
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The Foods and Nutrition Encyclopedia tells us that, “For healthy individuals, no harm results from short-term fasting.” The average healthy individual can be without food for more than 20 days before the body begins to eliminate vital tissue (starvation).
If you are new to fasting, then you might begin by skipping a meal or two. It will happen that over time, you will be more able to fast for a complete day or longer. Don’t forget to drink plenty of liquids. Water is the best since soft drinks are not great for your digestive system. Also, the caffeine in black tea or coffee can overstimulate the nervous system.
Of course, fasting isn’t only about what you are not doing. It is also about how you spend the extra time you have because you’re skipping meals.
As you fast, try spending time in worship and prayer. Have a plan about where and when you’ll do this so that your time can be unhurried.
As you spend time with God, take the time to listen for His voice. Keep paper and pen nearby to record any ideas, insights, directions, and instructions you might get. Then, when you begin to turn down the distractions and noise of life by fasting, you will find that you can more easily hear God.
Remember, your attitude toward God and your walk with Him are the critical things to watch, not how long you fast. Thank and praise, serve and obey him, as the catechism tells us, and the rest will follow. Abstaining from food is only one way to deepen our love for God, but it is a useful one that is not used often enough.
Do you have any experience in fasting? I would love to hear from you if you would be willing to email or call me.