Fasting is something, in the current atmosphere, that could be looked at as an old first century early church practice. Or it could be looked at as a very legalistic activity forced upon by clergy for the manipulation of people. Further, it could be looked at as a way to manipulate God so that He would answer a prayer based on what one does for Him.
That’s not what fasting is about. It is not a drudgery that one has to look at with the eye of despair or necessity for salvation. It should not be something we partake in to appear more pious or to puff ourselves up. No, it should be a time when the things of God are the most important things in our thoughts. It should be a joy to fast and take time out with God.
At the mention of fasting in a church setting or Bible study, one could expect to become a three headed spectacle. Those glares produce statements like these…
“That can’t be healthy.”
“Oh, I cannot do that because I’ll die.”
“My diabetes won’t allow that.”
“That’s something old disciples did in Bible times.”
“That’s legalistic and what the ‘holier than thous’ do.”
The truth is that fasting is for today. It’s true that some Old Testament folks fasted and lamented such as David and the whole of Israel, but so did Christ. We see this in Matthew 5. Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. But why? It seems He had a yearning to be close to The Father.
Jesus makes mention of fasting in Matthew 6:16-18.
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Mathew 6:16-18 ESV
The Father who is in secret knows and reads the heart. Fasting with the intention to gain the praises of others will result in just that. Likewise, fasting with the intention to manipulate God will result in an agonizing time. We shouldn’t test God.
What should be done concerning fasting should be done in secret, not drawing the praises of others. Fasting simply is to be done in the mindset of focusing prayers toward something that is more important than the meals you abstain from. It could be for instance, the prayers for the salvation of a particular family member. That is worth skipping meals for.
Each time you get the urge to eat, or hear the stomach roar from within. That is a reminder of what is being done. It brings to the mind that you are fasting and fasting for a reason. Bring your supplications to God. He will act as He sees fit according to His divine decree.
Soli Deo Gloria.