Fasting is temporarily abstaining from food and engaging in intense prayer for some spiritual end. The abstinence from food may be partial or complete. It is between God and the believer. It is not to impress people but to express worship and trust. Fasting is assumed by Jesus as a practice that belongs in the context of prayer and worship by disciples of Jesus. The only fast commanded in Scripture is connected with the Day of Atonement. However, the perfect and final atonement has been made by Jesus. Fasting is therefore completely voluntary. There are times we need to concentrate upon God intensely. Fasting has fallen out of use in the church, yet it is not just a means of weight loss. Our new world is no friend of solitude and sacrifice. But we must take time to be holy. We can even fast creatively. If a diabetic cannot fast for physical reasons, she can lay aside something else besides food. Fasting includes "abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some spiritual purpose." We could "fast" from any physical blessing that threatens to become our first love. A person could fast from social media for a week and devote that time to God. Now the Christian is not in show business. Our devotion to God is sincere and secret. Fasting is accompanied by a serious desire to draw near to God. The Bible says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8) Fasting is appropriate in times of sorrow, danger and repentance. So then, let us fast from time to time, as the Lord leads. By fasting, we learn to seek first the kingdom of God. Teach yourself to long for lasting pleasures—for the heavenly feast where the Lord Jesus is host!
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David Bodanza is the pastor of Mission of Grace Church in Westborough, Massachusetts. He is also a practicing lawyer. He holds an M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a J.D. from New England School of Law. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, four...
