There are two practices of God’s people in the past that seem to have been lost today. You don’t hear much today about lamenting or fasting. Since I have dealt with lamenting in past sermons and articles, I want to focus on fasting and encourage you to consider fasting.

First things first. Fasting can be defined as the voluntary abstinence from food (and sometimes drink) for spiritual purposes, typically to humble oneself, seek God’s guidance, repent of sin, or express deep grief. Voluntary “self-affliction” is sanctioned by God and demonstrated by His people for centuries. Dr. Douglas Kelly would often bring up fasting as he taught theology because he really believed in the benefit of drawing close to God as you focus upon Him while fasting. As Dr. Kelly said, “As prayer is reaching up and putting one hand on the throne of God, fasting is releasing everything as you reach up with both hands to God.” You might say that fasting is a demonstration of your desperation, which is a place of grace to see yourself that way because God has promised to not turn away but to hear you.

Psalm 102:17 (ESV) — 17 he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.

Fasting is not an attempt to impress or manipulate God. It’s certainly not a means whereby we can exalt ourselves. In fact, Jesus gave specific instructions to make sure others do not know about your fast for if you are doing it for show then you have your reward, but those who keep it a secret between them and God are the ones God blesses with a time of sweet communion with Him.

Matthew 6:16–18 (ESV) — 16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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.

The one exception would be a called fast by the church. In the case in the days of King Jehoshaphat, a National Day of Fasting was called as the country was surrounded by three enemies. (It’s worth the read in 2^ndChronicles 20 to see what God did as a result.)

Prayer along with fasting is seen throughout the Bible as people found solace in fasting during times of needing wisdom, facing impossible situations, or time they were filled with great grief. On all occasions, seeking the power, presence, and help of God seemed to be aided by fasting as expressed by Esther when she was about to go before the king on behalf of her people.

Esther 4:16–17 (ESV) — 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.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

One thing for sure is the need to focus upon God as the purpose of the fast is to seek Him. As Dr. Kelly reminded his students that as prayer is placing one hand on the throne of God, fasting is desiring God so much that you are letting go of everything, including food, to seek God as in putting both hands upon His throne. No wonder God questioned the fast of some in Zechariah’s day by asking them this question: “Was it for me that you fasted?” An acceptable fast is one in which we seek to draw near to God.

Here a few practical instructions for fasting:

1. Plan your fast and place it on your calendar, otherwise it becomes a “one of these days…” type of event that never gets done. Also having it on your calendar as an appointment with God will mean your calendar is filled so you have an answer to those who would try to meet you at that time.
2. Prepare for your fast. Prepare by asking for God’s help as well as making provision to have a place to retreat and having some places in your Bible to which you can go for encouragement.
3. When you begin your fast, remind yourself and God why you are fasting and praying. In fact, whenever you feel hunger, use it as a prompt to pray and bring your heart to the Lord.
4. Express gratitude for the work of God in your life. You may be burdened about something that is the cause of the fast, but remember we are to enter His presence with thanksgiving.
5. Mark the end of the fast with prayer and thank God for what He has done in you as you have set this time apart to be with Him.
6. Journaling or keeping a record of impressions God has made during the fast is important because we all tend to forget.
7. Break your fast with gratitude for God’s provision.

Since most fasts are for 24 hours or longer, it’s recommended you begin with a one day fast. Even though it’s important we do not brag about fasting as in broadcasting our fast to others, it is good to share information about your fast with someone close who can pray for you and encourage you.

Fasting should change us. Woe be to those who use the fast for show and instead of living even a godlier life from spending time with God, they turn to fighting with other people. To them, God has a word:

Isaiah 58:4–6 (ESV) — 4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Whenever you need wisdom, are overcome with grief or sorrow, face an impossible situation, or see great need for God’s help and presence – fasting is a God approved option to humble yourself before Him.

Godspeed,

Bob Brubaker, Pastor

Christ Community Presbyterian Church

Clearwater, FL