It’s about four o’clock in the morning. The house is peaceful. The kids are asleep. I can perceive the central heating humming rhythmically in the background; besides my laptop, the only thing I hear in the house is my son rustling in the bed. This is a good moment for me. Currently, my heart feels at rest. It’s interesting; during these moments I can slow down and reflect on what is going on in my life.
During these moments I can assess myself: how am I doing as a husband, as a father, as a friend? Let the truth be told, this pulling away is when I see the most growth, and experience the most positive change in my character. Usually during these times, I ask my self questions like: Did I respond correctly yesterday? Or am I overreacting to the information presented to me last week?
This time is essential for me to develop into who God has called me to be. The solitude is satisfying to my soul. But, wait what is that noise I hear? “It’s my twitter notification informing me that one of my twitter friends has just updated their status.” [Beep, Beep, Beep] my alarm begins to avenge itself on the quiet. And, like an object being sucked through a vortex I am taken out of my solace and violently pulled back into the hustle and bustle of my very busy world. No worries, the Scriptures have an answer to my problem God has prescribed a way where we can find satisfaction even if we live our lives seemingly opposed to tranquility.
What is fasting?
God’s diagnosis is fasting. Merriam-Webster defines fasting simply as “to abstain from food or to eat sparingly”. Fasting as Richard Foster would describe it is a “discipline”. Dallas Willard would describe the practice as a “spiritual discipline”. These two great authors don’t contrast each other. What they are doing in their depiction of the practice is highlighting different aspects for the reader. The former focuses on the methods and the latter focuses on the motivation.
Why biblical fasting is a physical means of producing spiritual fruit
If done properly biblical fasting is a physical means of producing spiritual fruit. It is a means of maintaining our true prosperity, which is our relationship with God. Now I do want to clarify that there are practical and medicinal purposes for fasting as well, such as weight loss and the cleansing of undigested food that is built up in the intestines and colon. Yet, this article will only focus on the spiritual benefits of this discipline.
Jesus lays the foundation in Matthew 6:16 – 18:
16“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men 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. 6:16-18 NIV
Three foundations of fasting
A Discipline
Let’s focus on three points here. First, Jesus says “When you fast” this phrase makes it clear to all that fasting will be a normal part of the Christian’s life. He does not give specifics, but his general reference implies that it will be habitual and encompasses everyone who follows after him.
A Practice
Next, Jesus commanded us, “do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.” The implication here is our motivation for fasting must be scrutinized if we intend to receive any positive results from the practice.
Motivation
And finally, Jesus’ statement—“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face…and your Father…will reward you” indicates that God will reward you for the effort, and not just through the process. Based upon Matthew 6:16 – 18 the foundation for biblical fasting is clear: it is expected of every believer, the believer must watch their motives for fasting, and in time God will reward him or her for their efforts.
Now that the foundation for fasting has been unpacked let’s look at some practical ways fasting bears fruit in our lives. I am intentionally excluding spiritual warfare and will focus on the spiritual rewards of the practice. Let’s start in the Old Testament.
Benefits of fasting
Isaiah 58:6 is where we will start with the specifics on the spiritual rewards of fasting. In this popular text, the prophet’s rebuke of Israel concludes with God’s intended benefit for their fast; to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke.
Freedom from the egoic self
The clarity here is unmistakable. To summarize it, Israel’s reward would be freedom from the bonds of selfishness. This is an amazing point. Fasting sets us free from ourselves. I have found one of the hardest things to do in this world is to make a selfish person see something other than their own situation. Have you ever tried to convince a selfish person they were wrong? Good luck! I would rather go 12 rounds with Mike Tyson in his prime than to do that. We all struggle with selfishness. Besides pride, it is the biggest wrestling match a Christian will have in maintaining healthy relationships in his or her life; and I not just talking about with God. I mean with people too. James 3:16 says, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (NASB). Nevertheless, God gives a prescription to free us from selfishness and that is Fasting!
In Matthew 9:15 Jesus focuses on another benefit for the practice.
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15
To contextualize this, Jesus’ disciples were eating well when the religious leaders and John’s disciples were fasting. At this point Jesus is questioned about his disciples’ actions. The primary point of what Jesus says is simple; they don’t need to fast when I am here with them. But, the peripheral point is appropriate for our discussion. Jesus says, “The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” What is the benefit for fasting in this case? It is for perseverance.
Ability to persevere
Early in my Christian walk there was a saying I often heard repeated. “If you pray you stay, if you fast you last.” Fasting is like water in a desert. It gives you the strength to continue. Many times in our walk we get into the stagnant areas because of various reasons. It could be we find ourselves there because of sin, hurt, unforgiveness, etc. Regardless of why we find ourselves there, God says that fasting will help us to maintain and persevere until the race is done.
In Acts 13:2-3 we see the final benefit we will discuss regarding the practice.
Ability to hear God
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Hearing God is a vital benefit you receive from fasting. How can you have a relationship with a person whom you can not communicate with? You can’t. Thus hearing God is the most important thing you can do to maintain a health relationship with him. Fasting is like removing the wax from your ears. It is clears the way for you to hear God. I am not saying you always need to fast to hear from God. But, there are times when fasting is necessary for obtaining directions from Him. I can hear the central heating humming rhythmically in the back again. I understand ultimately in life what we are really looking for is peace with God. But, it is difficult to obtain. Honestly, without His help it is impossible. So often we think we know what is best for us. So we wrestle against the direction our life is going. However, God directs our path. The only way to find peace in God’s path is to trust Him. Fasting helps bring us to a point of clarity! Thus, it is essential to practice in order to find rest, in God. It brings you to a place where you can free yourself of yourself, gain strength for the journey, and to hear the God who has your best interest in mind. Fasting helps you live this busy life in a way that can still bring satisfaction to your soul. Where is that snooze button?
