Scripture reveals that fasting is a means of humbling ourselves before God, seeking His help and direction, and setting aside our earthly desires to focus on the spiritual.
Scripture on Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18
New Testament
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others 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."
Ezra 8:21
Old Testament
"There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions."
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Old Testament
"Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him."
Acts 13:2-3
New Testament
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
Daniel 9:3
Old Testament
"So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes."
The Bottom Line
Fasting is a gift from God to draw near to Him, not a burden to endure.
Try Today
Set aside a time this week to fast, even if just for a meal. Spend that time in prayer, focused on God's leading in your life.
Prayer
As Jesus said, 'When you fast' (Matthew 6:16), we come to You Father, hungry for more of You.
Heavenly Father, we confess that we often fill ourselves with earthly pleasures and neglect the nourishment You offer through fasting and prayer. Help us to see fasting not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to draw near to You, to humble ourselves, and to seek Your wisdom and guidance. In the moments of hunger, may we be filled with a deeper longing for You. Give us the discipline to fast, not for the approval of others, but solely for the purpose of connecting with You. We surrender our plans to Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read the book of Daniel to see how fasting was a regular part of his life as he sought God's will and direction.
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