Renewal Starts Here: Fasting

By The Resonate Network

Scriptural fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.  It is not dieting, nor is it a hunger strike; it is not public at all, in fact. It is not for physical health reasons, nor is it for selfish reasons; it is certainly not to get God to do what we want. 

In his book Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster writes:

“Fasting reminds us that we are sustained ‘by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, ‘All things hold together’ (Colossians 6:12). Our human cravings and desires are like rivers that tend to overflow their banks; fasting helps keep them in their proper channels.”

More than any other spiritual discipline, fasting reveals what controls us. It shows us how needy we are for God’s daily provision, not just for physical, but also spiritual sustenance. Fasting is of great benefit to those who desire to have their hearts conformed to the likeness of Jesus.  Like all spiritual disciplines, it makes us aware of God’s amazing grace that is all around us.

Fasting is not about you getting God’s attention, but about God getting yours. It is also not about getting other people's attention. Ensuring that your friends know you are fasting so that they will think you are awesome misses the point.  That motivation draws attention to yourself. The hope of fasting is to move your attention off of yourself and on to God.

As you fast, outwardly, you will be performing the regular duties of your day, but inwardly, you will be in prayer, adoration, song, and worship, listening for God’s voice and paying special attention to what he is saying. If family, work, or school obligations permit, devote the time you normally have set aside for meals to prayer and journaling.

As you fast from food, continue to drink healthy amounts of water. You will probably feel some hunger pangs or discomfort before the time is up. That is not real hunger; your stomach has been trained through years of conditioning to give signals of hunger at certain hours. In many ways, our stomach is like a spoiled child; it needs discipline rather than indulgence. Ignore the signals and grumbling. Tell your “spoiled child” to calm down, and in time, the hunger will pass.  If not, sip some more water, or maybe chew some gum, and your stomach will be satisfied. You are the master of your stomach, not its slave.  Let those hunger pangs be a reminder to connect with the Father, not just to push through the pain.

What a Day of Fasting Could Look Like:

Suggestions for the Morning:

• Begin your day in praise and worship.

• Read and meditate on God’s Word.

• Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart and life.

• Invite God to use you to influence your family, your workplace, your neighborhood, and the world.

• Ask God to give you his vision for your life.

• Ask God to empower you to do his will.

Suggestions for the Midday:

• Return to God in prayer and scripture .

• Take a short prayer walk.

• Spend a few moments in silence reflecting on God’s goodness.

• Use your lunch hour to meet up with others with whom you are fasting to pray, worship, and set your hearts on God together. 

Suggestions for the Evening:

• Spend some unhurried time with God without the pressures or constraints of work or school. 

• Meet up or video chat with others who are fasting for a time of prayer and encouragement.

• Avoid or limit outside distractions such as television or social media. 

• Spend some time on your knees in prayer with your spouse, children, or roommates. 

As we enter a long season of fasting from things other than food, we pray that your spirit becomes renewed with a practice of giving up the things of this world to draw near into intimacy with your Heavenly Father, who satisfies the very depths of your soul.