Fasting REminds us to be humble before god
written by Trevor Hansen
Matthew 6:16-18 NIV
“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.”
A key point here is Jesus says “When you fast”. He expected and assumed his followers would fast. He anticipated this. So fasting is clearly an expectation for us as well. So what is fasting then? We know that fasting was refusing to eat food for a period of time. There are a few references in scripture that show us why people fasted.
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 NIV
Here we see Nehemiah fasting as a sign to show desperation. To beg God to work on his behalf. He is begging and seeking God, because he was worried about the safety of the people of Israel. Fasting was used this way or a sign of mourning multiple times including Ezra 8:23 and Daniel 10:23.
“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.” Acts 13:2-3 NIV
Fasting here is a little different they are asking for God to guide them and teach them where to move forward. Fasting is a form of and a part of our worship. Fasting is a way to place our plans before the Lord and let Him decide and guide us.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”” Matthew 4:1-3 NIV
Jesus here is fasting not in response to an issue, but in anticipation of a time of trial. He knew He was entering into a time of being tempted by the Devil. Jesus fasted to be stronger for what He was about to face.
In each scenario, they are fasting from food, praying during these times, and their fasting is about positioning them before God. Fasting is remembering that God is all powerful and in control. Whether we are dealing with difficult situations, needing guidance, or preparing for future trials; we are fasting to respect and acknowledge God. It is not just about removing food, but about praying to God in the times we are not eating. It is about teaching ourselves and our bodies that we are dependent on God not the physical world.
So for us we should continue fasting in the same way that Jesus and others in Scripture do as well. Now in the Scripture and historically fasting was always from food and was either full day(s) or sun up to sun down. However, I still believe the idea of fasting from other items, most popularized from Lent, is a legitimate idea. For some going without food is not physically or mentally safe. I believe you can fast from media, or certain types of food, or other things in life. The idea needs to be that we are fasting in a way that is placing us before God in a posture of humility.
Am I aware of my dependence on God?
What is one way I can fast in the next month to show God earnest devotion?
Is there anything in my life that distracts me from God?
Reading our Bible helps us to know God
Prayer helps us to connect with God
Fasting reminds us to be humble before God
Meditation slows us to hear God
The Church gives us a chance to experience God