Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been around for centuries. The Old Testament makes mention of fasting in the context of mourning, repentance, and pleading with God in times of trouble. But should Christians fast? Does it have any relevance to our lives today? Is there any benefit to denying yourself a meal or two each week?
What Is Fasting
You may be familiar with fasting as a religious or spiritual practice, but it can also be used for health or political reasons. Fasting is the act of abstaining from food for a specific period, and some people choose to use this technique as part of their dieting regimen.
Some Christians fast on certain days throughout the year to remind themselves of their faith and to focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly pursuits. Other people choose to fast voluntarily when they want to improve their health or lose weight by consuming fewer calories than usual. These two types of fasting are often referred to as “intermittent” or “partial-day” fasting because they involve periods where no food is consumed (or only certain foods). Intermittent fasting has many benefits that can improve your overall health and well-being; however, it’s important not to overdo it because some forms have been shown by researchers not only help you lose weight faster but also reduce risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes type 2.
Fasting Is Biblical
Fasting is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament. The first recorded fast in the Bible was that of Moses, who fasted for forty days and nights, receiving direction from God to lead His people out of slavery and into freedom (Exodus 34:28).
Later, Jesus Christ Himself taught His disciples to fast as a spiritual discipline. He said: “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16). Even after His Resurrection, Jesus continued to encourage fasting as a means of growing closer to Him. Some Christians today still view it as an important practice to help them grow closer to God through prayer and meditation.
Why Do We Fast As Christians
There are many reasons why you should fast as a Christian. Fasting is an act of worship, expressing your love for God and your desire to draw closer to Him. It can also be a time of seeking forgiveness from God or asking for healing in your body or soul. It can help you experience God’s provision and guidance if you are struggling with something in your life.
It’s important to remember that just because someone is fasting doesn’t mean they are sinning! Christians still have the freedom to make their own choices about whether or not they want to fast, how long they will fast, what method they use (fasting with food restrictions vs abstaining from all food), etc…
Biblical Examples Of Fasting
You should fast if you want to:
- Humble yourself before God. Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before him, pray for guidance and deliverance, and submit to His direction in our lives. Jesus said that when we fast, we show the world how serious we are about our faith (Matthew 6:16-18; Mark 2:18).
- Seek God’s face. In 1 Samuel 7:6-7, when facing overwhelming odds against them, the people of Israel wanted their prophet Samuel to ask God what they should do next — Samuel told them instead that he would go into mourning for seven days because he knew God would answer their prayers through his activities during that time period instead of immediately answering them himself (1 Samuels 7–8). This example shows us how important it is not just asking God questions but also waiting on His response through the right channels!
- Confess sins or make restitution for past mistakes made while fasting so they don’t come back later on down the road causing even more trouble than before something was done about it now while still under your control vs having no choice but later which could be too late at that point now making matters worse than ever before rather than better due
Jesus Speaks about Fasting.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16-18 are often used to support fasting as a means of seeking God’s favor. These verses state that if you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites who “make their faces unattractive so others will admire them for their fasting.” Instead, Jesus says, “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…anoint your head and wash your face….So that people may see that you are fasting…and not appear outwardly conspicuous and self-important.”
The implication is clear from these verses: Fasting should be done discreetly and privately so as not to draw attention or appear ostentatious—in other words it shouldn’t be something we make a public spectacle out of just to stroke our own egos or receive praise from others (see Matthew 6:5-6).
Practical Benefits of Fasting
- Fasting helps you to focus on God.
- Fasting helps you to build self-control.
- Fasting can help you overcome addictions, such as smoking or excessive drinking.
- Practicing fasting will have spiritual benefits, such as a greater understanding of God’s love for you and the power of His grace in your life. And this greater understanding can lead to an increased level of faith as well as confidence in God’s ability to meet all your needs and wants today, tomorrow and forevermore!
It Is Important to Fast as A Christian.
The answer to this question is simple: yes. Fasting is an important part of Christian life, because it helps us grow in our relationship with God and grow spiritually. The Bible tells us that we are supposed to fast regularly as Christians; Jesus even said that “when you fast,” you should do it without a distraction (Matthew 6:16).
If you’re new to fasting or need some guidance on how to begin, check out our article here!
Conclusion
The answer to this question is simple, Yes. Fasting is a biblical principle and practice that brings our heart into alignment with God’s heart. When we fast, we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging that we need Him to break through in our lives. In doing so, we enter an atmosphere of intimacy with Him and His presence. Therefore I encourage you to set aside some time in your schedule to fasting and prayer at least once a week. As the Holy Spirit impresses on you additional times of fasting and prayer, follow His leading, but don’t forget the importance of establishing this discipline as a regular part of your life.