Fasting is a spiritual practice that holds deep significance in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It involves abstaining from food and sometimes other forms of sustenance for a specific period, usually accompanied by prayer and seeking God's guidance. Fasting is not merely a physical discipline but is intended to be a means of drawing closer to God, seeking His wisdom, and demonstrating a contrite heart and dependence on Him.
In the Old Testament, fasting was often associated with repentance and mourning. For example, in the book of Joel, the prophet calls for a collective fast as a response to a locust plague, encouraging the people to "return to the Lord with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning" (Joel 2:12).
In the New Testament, Jesus himself engaged in fasting, especially during the 40 days he spent in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil. Fasting is seen as a way to strengthen one's spiritual resolve and reliance on God, as exemplified in Jesus' response to the devil's temptations.
Fasting also emphasises the importance of a sincere heart and motives. In the book of Isaiah, God speaks against mere ritualistic fasting, saying, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6). This underscores the idea that fasting should be accompanied by actions that reflect a transformed heart and a commitment to justice and righteousness. In essence, biblical fasting is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, self-examination, and seeking God's guidance in a manner that extends beyond mere abstention from food.
If you’ve never fasted before, or if you are a versed faster, and you’ve fasted many times, we’re excited about what God will do in these next 21 days as you say, “God, I want You, and I’m running into your presence for more of You in prayer and fasting.”
