In Joel we see "Yet even now," declares the Lord , "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning" (Joel 2:12).
Fasting was seen as a way to show obedience
to God, and it was also a way to increase hunger for spiritual things.
When we are constantly satisfied with worldly things, our need for
connection with God through Christ diminishes. Here are five Bible
passages to learn more about fasting.
1. Matthew 6:18 "That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
This passage in Matthew tells us just as we ought not to be boastful about our praying, we should not tell others that we are fasting. This passage does not necessarily mean that we should have solitude while fasting, but that is certainly an option. Another way this passage is put is to not have an upset look on your face while fasting. This let's people know that you're fasting, which God does not want. Jesus instructed those who fasted to anoint their heads with oil, so they would not intentionally appear as though they were fasting. We see in this verse that God the Father will reward us for our fast, but he wants it done in secret, not as a spectacle for others.
2. Esther 4:16 "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."
This passage in Esther shows us that holding a group fast is an act of obedience to God useful in difficult circumstances. The passage of three days and nights is also mentioned. Three is an important number in scripture. In the case of Jesus on the third day he was resurrected. Esther made this request of Mordecai and the rest of the Jews, so she would have favor from the Lord as she went to the king, to try to stop the plot of Haman against the Jews. The Lord showed her favor in her dealings with the king and the plot was foiled.
3. Ezra 8:23 "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty."
This passage in Ezra mentions fasting as well as prayer, the two always go together. There is no fasting without prayer. The second part of the passage demonstrates how God then listened to their prayers and answered them favorably. Fasting is a great way to add weight to prayers. It lets God know you are faithful and obedient to His will. It lets him know that food and pleasure is second to His will.
4. Daniel 10:1-3 "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks."
In Daniel we see that fasting can be a form of mourning. It can also be a form of seeking revelation from God. He fasted for three weeks. This is often referred to today as a "Daniel Fast." It doesn't say he only drank water. Instead it says he avoided delicacies, meats, and wine. Many who do a Daniel fast today abstain from all foods but fruits, vegetables, and water. Always pray and ask God if he is desiring you to hold a fast. Daniel fasts are wonderful. Full fasts are great too, but can be challenging. This is when you only drink water for a certain number of days. Many do this for 3 days, 7 days, I've even seen people do 21 days, even forty days.
1. Matthew 6:18 "That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
This passage in Matthew tells us just as we ought not to be boastful about our praying, we should not tell others that we are fasting. This passage does not necessarily mean that we should have solitude while fasting, but that is certainly an option. Another way this passage is put is to not have an upset look on your face while fasting. This let's people know that you're fasting, which God does not want. Jesus instructed those who fasted to anoint their heads with oil, so they would not intentionally appear as though they were fasting. We see in this verse that God the Father will reward us for our fast, but he wants it done in secret, not as a spectacle for others.
2. Esther 4:16 "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."
This passage in Esther shows us that holding a group fast is an act of obedience to God useful in difficult circumstances. The passage of three days and nights is also mentioned. Three is an important number in scripture. In the case of Jesus on the third day he was resurrected. Esther made this request of Mordecai and the rest of the Jews, so she would have favor from the Lord as she went to the king, to try to stop the plot of Haman against the Jews. The Lord showed her favor in her dealings with the king and the plot was foiled.
3. Ezra 8:23 "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty."
This passage in Ezra mentions fasting as well as prayer, the two always go together. There is no fasting without prayer. The second part of the passage demonstrates how God then listened to their prayers and answered them favorably. Fasting is a great way to add weight to prayers. It lets God know you are faithful and obedient to His will. It lets him know that food and pleasure is second to His will.
4. Daniel 10:1-3 "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks."
In Daniel we see that fasting can be a form of mourning. It can also be a form of seeking revelation from God. He fasted for three weeks. This is often referred to today as a "Daniel Fast." It doesn't say he only drank water. Instead it says he avoided delicacies, meats, and wine. Many who do a Daniel fast today abstain from all foods but fruits, vegetables, and water. Always pray and ask God if he is desiring you to hold a fast. Daniel fasts are wonderful. Full fasts are great too, but can be challenging. This is when you only drink water for a certain number of days. Many do this for 3 days, 7 days, I've even seen people do 21 days, even forty days.
The biggest thing I try to remind people who fast today is, this isn't about losing weight or becoming more healthy, fasting is about growing closer to God. If your heart is to lose weight or eat healthy, don't call it a biblical fast.
5. 2 Samuel 12:16 "David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground."
We know from scripture that David fasted when seeking for the life of his unborn baby. It is often wise to fast on behalf of another going through a hard time. In addition to fasting he also lay all night on the ground. We can probably assume that David prayed, talked to God, and even sang to him. Though David's prayer was not answered, and the child died, he used wisdom by fasting for the sake of another.
5. 2 Samuel 12:16 "David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground."
We know from scripture that David fasted when seeking for the life of his unborn baby. It is often wise to fast on behalf of another going through a hard time. In addition to fasting he also lay all night on the ground. We can probably assume that David prayed, talked to God, and even sang to him. Though David's prayer was not answered, and the child died, he used wisdom by fasting for the sake of another.
Fasting and prayer is a great way to grow in the Lord. If you find that
you don't have the same strong desire for building your faith in the Lord, fasting and prayer may be the next step God is leading you toward. But always ask God for confirmation before starting a fast. It should be His will, not yours. But if He calls you to it, pray and fast with all fervor. Ask God what he wants you to pray about, and pray fervently. Seek the Lord and you will find him in the fasting time. He will surely come close to you, and answer your prayers, in His perfect timing and in His perfect will.
