The Right Way To Fast

The Bible gives examples of God’s people occasionally fasting and praying so as to renew their dedication and commitment to the Father. Great pioneers of the Christian faith such as Moses (Exodus 34:28); Elijah (1 Kings 19:8); Daniel (Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3); Paul (2 Corinthians 11:27) and Jesus fasted (Matthew 4:2). You can read more about the guideline to fasting the right way (where you will be thought what fasting really means, the types of fasting and how to go about fasting) by clicking here. This article- “The right way to fast” will help you greatly.

Fasting can be simply explained as going without food and sometimes water for a set period of time for the purpose of spiritual upliftment. There are many reasons for fasting. Some people fast: to humble themselves before God (Daniel 9:3); to request God’s help (2 Samuel 12:16; Esther 4:16; Ezra 8:23); to seek God’s will (Acts 13:2-3); to turn from sin (Jonah 3:5-10); to worship God without distractions (Luke 2:36-38); to renew their spiritual strength and to seek His intervention in times of difficulties.

Firstly fasting requires the right motive (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting should be done between the believer and God. We must not fast to attract the attention of people as the Pharisees did in the days of old. The reward of such a fast of showmanship is a fruitless fasting; a fast that yields no results. If the reward you aim at in fasting is the admiration of others, that is what you will get, and that will be all you get (John Piper). This is to say that if the motive behind our fasting is to attract the attention of people or to receive their praise instead of humbling ourselves before God, the only reward we shall receive will be the praise of people.

This does not mean that a believer’s fast is of no spiritual value when people notice it. For example, if you work in a corporate office where you go for lunch together with your colleagues, it will be nearly impossible to prevent them from knowing about your fast. Or it is impossible to fast without letting your spouse know. In such a situation your fasting is still beneficial. The point here is that we must not be hypocritical in our fasting.

Secondly fasting requires the right attitude of heart (Isaiah 58:3-5). Please read the scripture given to have a clear understanding of this point. From the scripture you will note that the children of Israel were fasting but getting no results because they were fasting only as a religious obligation without seeking the Lord whole heartedly. They were doing what pleased them during their fasting and still expected results. They thought they would be blessed just by observing their religious obligation but true fasting is not an outward display of mourning but rather a heart that is humble and prepared to seek the Lord.

If our fasting is unaccompanied by a true worship of God and a just treatment of people, it will not be of benefit to us. The people of Israel practiced this faulty fasting, yet they could not understand why God took no note of their fasting. Fasting must be observed with an obedient attitude towards God. What God wants is not just denial of food for the body but also positive acts of compassion and showing love to people.

Note that fasting is not a means of manipulating or compelling God into doing our will. Many who go into fasting with this attitude may end up disappointed in God and disillusioned. This is why many people in the churches especially the Pentecostal circles become frustrated and even disappointed because they try to force God to meet their need. Fasting is an opportunity to seek God in prayer, in humility and to get closer to Him. Fasting must not be entered into reluctantly or by compulsion because this can easily breed unhealthy feelings.

We hope this helps in giving you a clear idea on the right way to fast. Fasting motivated by your love for God is the best way to keep you discipline and obedient to God.