Fasting: The Forgotten Discipline
As we begin another Lenten season, an extended period of self-reflection and repentance, I would like to remind us of the spiritual benefits of fasting. Many health-conscious individuals do regular fasts of varying types for the physical benefits, but few remember its close association with the spiritual life. The spiritual discipline of fasting is, for the most part, one of the forgotten disciplines of the Christian faith. We read of God’s people fasting throughout all of Scripture and Jesus Himself practiced it often. Yet, today it is often seen as an unnecessary practice of religious fanatics. There is no question that we are spiritually poorer because we no longer practice the discipline of fasting. Fasting is a natural complement to prayer and should be practiced on a regular basis in order that we might come to know, and experience, God more fully. The complementary nature of fasting and prayer is highlighted by Jesus’ comments on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 immediately following His instructions on how to pray (verses 9-13). In His statement of “whenever you fast,” Jesus assumes that everyone present is already practicing the discipline of fasting.
And the practice of fasting, like prayer, is not to be an outward demonstration of our piety, but an inward act of the soul directed exclusively toward God. The goal of Biblical fasting is not the physical benefit or even increased effectiveness in prayer, but rather coming to know God, and ourselves, more accurately. Motives always matter to God and we dare not fast as an attempt to manipulate God into doing our bidding. I have found that there is a subtle, yet extremely strong temptation to try and will things to happen because we are fasting. This is not an expression of faith but carnal Christianity.
Dr. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, was a man whose life was touched deeply by the discipline of fasting. In his booklet, 7 Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer, Bill Bright, wrote the following about his experience with fasting back in the summer of 1994. “The longer I fasted, the more I sensed the presence of the Lord. The Holy Spirit refreshed my soul and spirit, and I experienced the joy of the Lord as seldom before. Biblical truths leaped at me from the pages of God’s Word. My faith soared as I humbled myself and cried out to God and rejoiced in His presence. This proved to be the most important forty days of my life.” Dr. Bright’s experience with fasting began with obedience and ended in great blessing. Our obedience in practicing this discipline will bring blessing as well.
There are a number of ways to practice the discipline of fasting but one should proceed carefully, especially if there are known medical conditions that could be aggravated by fasting. Purchase a book on fasting and learn all you can about the practical aspects of fasting. If you have any concerns about your health, check with your doctor before you fast. Begin slowly by abstaining from certain kinds of foods or skip a single meal and spend the time praying instead. As your body gets used to fasting you can begin to make longer fasts as the Lord directs you. Over time you will grow in humility and experience greater effectiveness in prayer as you follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Author
Pastor Bruce is the Executive Director of God's Living Stones. He lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife Barb. They have two adult children.
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