Why do we fast?

Fasting is a word not commonly used in today’s society. Indeed, few would consider that anyone would engage in such deprivation of their own choosing! For Christians, however, this word carries very significant meaning. The prophet Isaiah spoke of fasting as ‘a day for a man to afflict his soul’. Isa 58:5. It is the action of humbling ourselves before the Lord as we cry out in prayer to Him regarding a specific matter or need we may have. Isaiah described this as ‘desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure and speaking your own word’. Isa 58:13.

There are many accounts of fasting recorded in the Scriptures. The book of Esther recounts the remarkable story of a Queen. Upon hearing of a plot to destroy all the Jews, Esther called the entire Jewish nation to pray and fast for three days without food or water. Est 4:16. As the people earnestly sought the Lord, He heard their cry and delivered them from the hand of their enemy, Haman. In the Old Testament book of Ezra, the prophet also proclaimed a fast. Ezra and his men were preparing to journey through dangerous territory and sought the Lord for protection. As they humbled themselves before the Lord, the Bible accounts that He ‘listened to their entreaty’. Ezr 8:23. As they journeyed to Jerusalem the hand of God was upon them, ‘delivering them from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the way’. Ezr 8:31.

We must remember that there is no right or wrong way to undertake a fast. Indeed, the significance of a fast is not indicated by the degree to which we deprive ourselves, nor is the success of the fast dependent upon its length. The prophet Daniel was a great man of prayer and fasting who simply abstained from delicacies when he fasted. It is clear from Daniel’s example that the benefit of a fast is not derived firstly from abstaining from food, nor should this be our preoccupation. Rather, it is the time devoted to waiting upon the Lord, lifting our eyes from our own physical needs, and crying out to Him in prayer and supplication. Daniel continually prayed and fasted throughout his life. He was one of the King’s chief advisers and a man of incredible prophetic insight and wisdom. Daniel knew this was a gift given to him by the Lord and that it was only made available to him as he continued to live a life of constant prayer and devotion.

In considering how we will fast, it is vital that we consider our physical limitations and practical circumstances. For example, one would need to take care if they have a difficult or physical work environment and may consider fasting with Daniel’s approach; abstaining only from certain delicacies. There is no need to fall into condemnation because we are limited in our endeavour to fast. The most important thing is that we take time in the different seasons of our life to dedicate ourselves to prayer and devotion. If we will do this, God is faithful to hear us and attend to our prayer. 1Pet 3:12.

Nathan Smith

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Feature Articles
April 2009

How does faith grow?

Behold the Lamb

Pray without ceasing

The springs of song

Holy to the Lord

Supporting identity

Why do we fast?

Making vows

Watch over your soul

Learning patience

God is. Great!