What Is Fasting, Really?

July 31, 2024

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 NLT

We take prayer for granted. Everyone knows that Jesus followers are supposed to pray. But Jesus fasted, He told us to do as He did, and seemed to take it for granted that we also would fast. He said, “WHEN you fast.” Earlier in His teaching recorded in Mark 6, Jesus referred to giving and praying both: “when you pray” and “when you give.” There’s no reason to exclude fasting from the practices Jesus intends for our good and growth.

Jesus spoke about actions that seem strange to us but not to these first listeners. They were accustomed to religious people who talked and bragged about their fasting. Giving up food (which was the standard) was a big deal. Feasting was a significant part of their culture, so fasting was a significant sacrifice. The “best” religious people did it. Therefore, they went to great lengths to make sure people knew they were fasting. They would look as gaunt as possible, call attention to themselves by their moans and misery, and cause people to comment, “Wow! Can you believe what Titus is giving up? Isn’t Lydia getting thin? My, they are dedicated. But maybe they are going too far with this thing.”

Jesus said that people who approach fasting to create a reputation for themselves with God or people have received the only reward they will ever get. If you’re doing it to be part of the crowd, to be better than the crowd, or to impress God, it’s not accomplishing the purpose.

Fasting is a personal declaration to yourself and your heavenly Father that you want to be closer to Him, to know Him better. It is declaring that you want what He has to offer more than anything else. When that is your purpose, He will come to you in intimacy and relationship you will not experience any other way. Your Father sees and knows everything. He will reward you with an amazing relationship.

So, when you fast, receive it as a blessing. Don’t deliberately call attention to the fact that you are fasting. Don’t speak of it as sacrifice. Don’t try to use it as a diet. 😊Think of it as a period you have chosen to invest in a special way of growing your intimacy with God. Blessing is ahead.

• Be thinking and praying about your commitment to fast. What do you think God wants to do in you?