The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
Good morning, faithful listeners. Welcome to The Living Word Cast, where we begin our day rooted in God's truth. I'm your host, and today we're exploring the powerful spiritual discipline of fasting.
In our busy lives, with constant notifications and endless distractions, we rarely deny ourselves anything. Yet throughout Scripture, we see fasting as a practice embraced by those seeking to draw closer to God. So what makes this ancient discipline so vital for our modern faith journey?
Fasting is, at its core, an act of intentional self-denial for spiritual purposes. When we voluntarily set aside food or other comforts, we create space to focus more intently on our relationship with God. It's not about earning God's favor, but about positioning our hearts to receive what He has for us.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus doesn't say "if you fast" but "when you fast," suggesting this discipline is expected in the life of a believer. Yet He immediately warns against practicing it for show:
"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."
Jesus teaches that true fasting isn't about impressing others but connecting with God in the secret places of our hearts.
Throughout Scripture, we see fasting associated with pivotal moments. Moses fasted for forty days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments. Esther called for a three-day fast before approaching the king to save her people. Jesus Himself fasted forty days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry.
But fasting isn't just for biblical heroes or spiritual giants. It's for ordinary believers like us who hunger for more of God in our lives.
When we fast, several things happen. First, our physical hunger becomes a tangible reminder of our deeper spiritual hunger. Every stomach growl can prompt us to turn to God in prayer, saying, "Lord, as much as I need food, I need You more."
Second, fasting reveals our dependencies. When we set aside something we regularly rely on—whether food, social media, or entertainment—we often discover how much we've been leaning on these things instead of God. These revelations can lead to profound repentance and realignment.
Third, fasting sharpens our spiritual sensitivity. Many believers report clearer discernment, more focused prayer, and greater awareness of God's presence during times of fasting.
If you've never fasted before, start small. Perhaps skip one meal and dedicate that time to prayer. Or try a sunrise-to-sunset fast, breaking your fast with a simple meal in the evening. Remember that fasting looks different for everyone, especially those with medical conditions that might make traditional food fasting unwise. God sees the heart behind the practice.
As you consider incorporating fasting into your spiritual disciplines, here are three application points:
- Prepare with purpose. Before you fast, set clear intentions. What are you seeking God for? Write down specific prayer points and Scripture passages to focus on during your fast.
- Practice in private. Remember Jesus' teaching about not making a show of your fasting. There's no need to announce it widely. Let this be a sacred space between you and God.
- Pair fasting with prayer and Scripture. Fasting without these companions can become merely a diet. When hunger strikes or you feel the absence of whatever you're fasting from, turn that moment into conversation with God and meditation on His Word.
Let's pray together:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the invitation to draw closer to You through the discipline of fasting. We confess that we often fill our lives with everything but You. As we consider this practice, give us wisdom and discernment. Help us to hunger and thirst for righteousness more than we desire the comforts of this world. Prepare our hearts to seek You through fasting, not as a religious duty, but as a loving response to Your goodness. Show us what to set aside and for how long. And when we fast, meet us in powerful ways. Reveal areas in our lives that need Your transformation, and heighten our awareness of Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank you for joining us today on The Living Word Cast. May your hunger for God grow stronger than any earthly appetite. Until tomorrow, may the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you. This is The Living Word Cast, where God's truth meets your everyday life.
