Why Bother Fasting?

Why should I consider ignoring a growling stomach, bypassing entertainment, and denying myself of the legitimate need of nourishment? Because the discipline of fasting can do what nothing else will do in your life.

Simply defined, fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food for higher purposes. It is a potent way to forego lower pleasures for higher pleasures. And I dare you to consider it.

  • Fasting reveals. More than any other spiritual practice, I have found fasting to expose the things that control and subdue me. Sometimes my problem is that I don’t know what I don’t know. I feel like I’m self-aware. I feel like I know my heart. I feel like my motives are pure. But sure enough, a couple days into a fast and my idols and crutches and darkness rises to the surface. This is a gracious gift.
  • Fasting is humbling. Time and time again Scripture directs us to “humble ourselves.” I cannot delegate my own humbling. But how exactly do I humble myself? One of the most neglected ways was explained by David: “I humbled myself with fasting.” (Psalm 35:13). What an interesting insight. Another example of this is a day of fasting, known as the Day of Atonement  (Yom Kippur): “In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall humble your souls, and no do any work…” (Leviticus 16:29) We assume the biggest challenge to fasting is our appetite; in reality it’s our pride.
  • Fasting clarifies the will of God.  When King Jehoshaphat was in grave trouble, what did he do? He “resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” (2 Chronicles 20:3) His fasting-prayer is one of my favorites in all of Scripture: “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) Is there an issue where you need to hear wisdom and direction of God? Fasting is one of your best friends to enable you to discern what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Is it possible that you need some things revealed? Do you need to take the humility call more seriously? Are you seeking God’s will, but still waiting on His answer? I dare you to embrace the call to fast. Lay aside your food and distractions for a day, or three, or more. Make yourself available to God in prayer and Scripture. Wash your face and brush your teeth (so you don’t ruin it with religious showboating). And then get ready to allow God to do what only He can do. Hope to see some of you at our prayer meetings this Tuesday through Thursday.

On earth as it is in heaven…

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