Questions: What is fasting? Why should I fast? What time of day is the best time to start a fast and how long should I fast?
 

Fasting – as referred to in the Bible – is understood as the abstaining (voluntarily going without) of food and water for a specified period of time. Fasting is a means of humbling oneself before God and is associated with the term afflicting yourself.

Fasting is associated with mourning (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12, cf. 12:20-23); with penitence (1 Samuel 7:6; 1 Kings 21:27); and an accompaniment to prayer (2 Samuel 12:16-17; Psalm 35:13; Daniel 9:3).

Fasting was also considered a means of preparation for divine revelation or for work as an instrument in God’s hand (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; Daniel 9:3; 10:3; 1Samuel 28:20; cf. Matthew 4:2).

There are two types of fasting.

1)      General (nation-based) or communal fasts (in which many individuals are participating at the same time and all those engaged in the fast know that all others are also fasting). This type of fast is open and obvious to all who are fasting and is a shared fast.

There are unique days of fasting that were, during the days of Christ’s walk on earth, commonly observed by the “general public,” in which the Jews community, in unison, would participate. These days are still observed by the Jews today.

Notice Zechariah 8:19 which mentions in particular four days of fasting– all of which have historical meaning, each observed as a national memorial fast. Zechariah prophesied that at Christ’s second coming as King over all the earth, these four days of fasting (which are currently observed by the Jews today) will no longer be fasting (mournful) days but rather days of joyous feasting.

Those four days are:

a)      17th of Tammuz (the fourth month - corresponding generally to our month, July)

b)      9th of Ab (the fifth month - corresponding generally to our months, July/August)

c)      3rd of Tishri (the seventh month - corresponding generally to our months, September/October)

d)     10th of Tebeth (the tenth month - corresponding generally to our months, December/January).

Two other days of fasting observed by the general public, then and now, as national or communal fasts are:

e)      The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29, 31, et al.),

f)       The Day before Purim (called the Fast of Esther cf. Esther 9:31).

2)      Private and personal fasts (of which Jesus Christ speaks when he explains - that you appear not unto men to fast).

It is this type of fast (private and personal) we will concentrate on in this study.

Fasting is an exercise, a practice which is the responsibility of every disciple of Jesus Christ. Fasting aids one in the pursuit of personal growth and spiritual development. Fasting is a way of imbibing more of Christ-like character. Fasting is a physical commitment, showing humility before God.

Reading Matthew 6:16, we understand Christ expects His disciples to fast. Notice He said, “… when you fast….” The expectation is you are to fast; you should fast.

That expectation is reinforced as Jesus Christ told the disciples of John, the days will come [when Christ (the bridegroom) will be taken away – when He returns to heaven] then my disciples will fast (cf. Matthew 9:14-15). The expectation of fasting was laid to the charge not only of the disciples alive in Christ’s day, but to those who claim to be disciples of Christ today.

Likewise, Christ said, “this kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

Examples of fasting, as found in the New Testament Scriptures are Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2-3, Acts 14:23 and 1 Corinthians 7:5.  Additionally, we read of Anna, who served in the Temple and worshipped God, with fasting and prayer (Luke 2:37). Paul often engaged in fasting (2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27).

Fasting was and is considered a principle practice of “religious people,” of “conscious piety.” The concept of fasting is universal, acknowledged in every religion.

As Jesus Christ highlighted in a parable (cf. Luke 18:12), it was not uncommon for the Pharisees to fast twice a week. Generally Mondays and Thursdays were considered the days on which they would fast. Their appearance made it obvious, they were fasting.

In the Catholic Church today, certain days are obligatory on which its membership is required to fast. In Protestant Churches fasting is recommended but not required.

By way of clarification, when one chooses to fast, engaging in a private and personal fast, the individual is free to choose whatever day of the week he or she considers appropriate. Mondays and Thursdays were the Pharisees’ choice. Those days do not have to be your choice if you choose not. If you do, fine. But not because of Pharisaical example or reason. Remember, the day on which you fast is your private and personal choice to make. Consider the principle found in Romans 14:5-6; One man esteems one day above another: another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regards the day regards it unto the Lord ….

However (and this is vital to understand and accept), just as the seventh day, Sabbath Day (Saturday) is the one day each week we are commanded, by God’s law, to keep (we have no choice (to regard or not regard) in the matter), so too there is one day, on which we are required to fast. There is one day each year (as designated by God) on which we are commanded, by God’s law to fast. That one day is the Day of Atonement.

Leviticus 23:26-32 along with Numbers 29:7 records the command, as given by God as a law, for the observance of a Holy Day called the Day of Atonement. This day is clearly a commanded Holy Day which is obligatory for the entire nation to keep. It is clearly a Holy Day which any individual who desires to obey God and seeks to serve Him in spirit and in truth, remaining faithful to His words, will keep.

On the Day of Atonement, an individual and the entire community will fast. In so doing, it is known, obvious and clearly evident that the individual and individuals are fasting. The Day of Atonement is a day of fasting and all who keep that day are well aware a fast is taking place. Everyone who is fasting is fasting. It is known and open for all who see; everyone who observes the Day of Atonement is truly fasting.

The Day of Atonement has a clearly specific and unique purpose (which we will not discuss in this study) as defined by the scriptures. The Day of Atonement fast is different in purpose, scope and meaning than the fast Christ spoke of in Matthew 6:16.

The fast of which Christ spoke, as mentioned in Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 9:29, Matthew 6:16, et al., refers to a personal and private fast; not an obligatory community or national fast.

Additionally, the type of fast of which Jesus Christ spoke, which we will discuss in this study, is not a health fast or a juice fast or a cleansing fast; nor is it a protest fast.

The fast of which Christ spoke, is a fast for the purpose and intent of building spiritual character and drawing closer to God, seeking His direction, instruction, guidance, righteousness, will, loving kindness and mercies. The fast of which Christ spoke, is considered a personal, private and uniquely self-chosen, personally desired fast.

Fasting is an integral part of the life and character of a Christian. The practice of fasting develops spiritual character, with the clear intent of feeding the spirit of the new man, the inner man. Fasting engenders closeness and dependence on God.

As one exercises mental and physical discipline, diminishing from the flesh, abstaining from food, fasting emphasizes a spiritual focus and the nourishing of the spirit of your mind (which is the Spirit of God coupled with your spirit of man). Fasting allows one to focus on and draw closer to God. Fasting helps one to seek the Kingdom of God, setting aside the cares and concerns of the flesh and this world. Fasting promotes spiritual focus.

The principle of fasting is found both in the Old and New Testaments. The Hebrew word for fast(ing) is tsuwm (Strong’s 6684). This word literally means to cover over the mouth, to fast. The Greek word for fast(ing) is nesteuo (Strong’s 3522), which means to abstain from food (religiously), to fast.

Fasting in every real sense is the afflicting of your body, a deliberate neglecting of the flesh, the abstaining from food and drink. We learn of this fact when we read the details pertaining to the Day of Atonement. Consider Leviticus 23:27 and 29 (cf. Leviticus 16:29 and 31). On the Day of Atonement one is to “afflict himself (afflict your soul (KJV)).”

By the expression of the term “afflict your souls” the direct meaning is to submit yourself, to submit your will, by neglecting one’s flesh or bodily desires. To afflict yourself is to humble yourself.

Ezra 8:21 reinforces the fact that the afflicting of oneself is equivalent to fasting. And of course fasting (tsuwm) by its very definition is to cover over the mouth (so as to prevent foods and nourishment from entering into the digestive track). Consider Esther 4:16, which specifies, neither eat nor drink. In other words, when you fast, you eat nothing and you drink nothing.

Logically, we are aware of how our bodies feel when food is absent from our stomachs, when we are hungry. We feel afflicted, at a loss of strength. Weakness is evident. Fasting affects us physically. Fasting gets our attention, it humbles us.

The Hebrew word for afflict(ed) is anah (Strong’s 6031). This word has several meanings, which are to submit – being submissive, to look down, browbeat, depress, afflict, abase, humble, weaken.

David understood this idea as associated with fasting when he wrote, “As for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting …” (Psalm 35:13).

Consider also Psalm 69:10, “When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting; that was my reproach.”

Notice also Psalm 109:24, “My knees are weak through fasting and my flesh faileth of fatness.”

There were times, as we can read in the Old Testament, when people would humble themselves before God, engaging in prayer and fasting, doing so to seek His kindness, forgiveness and guidance. Consider Nehemiah 1:4, Ezra 8:21-23.

Jesus Christ taught His disciples, then and now; those now who are in the faith, those baptized and under the New Covenant, how to fast. Once again reviewing Matthew 6:16-18, we learn what to do and what not to do when we engage in fasting in general, and in a private, personal fast in particular.

Moreover, when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face; that you appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which sees you in secret, shall reward you openly.

As was often practiced in Old Testament times, those who would fast would do so wearing sackcloth and the sitting in ashes (or earth/dirt). Notice of David, Psalm 69:10-11. Consider also Nehemiah 9:1, Esther 4:3, Daniel 9:3, and Jonah 3:5-6. The wearing of sackcloth was considered a sign of mourning; consider Genesis 37:34 and 2 Samuel 3:31, 1 Kings 21:27. The sitting in ashes, the wearing of sackcloth was also a sign of humility, of repentance; consider Matthew 11:21.

Naturally, one is humbled and afflicted physically, weakened, when fasting.  In addition to that fact, (back then) when one fasted, sitting in ashes and wearing sackcloth, attention was drawn to that person. People would look and actually see and know the person was in mourning, broken in spirit, humbled and more than likely fasting. Sackcloth and ashes represented sorrow, pity, broken-heartedness, poverty and complete abject humility before God.

When people outwardly appeared as fasting, there was no doubt. Outwardly, there was no mistake.  “That man” or “that woman” was fasting. Fasting, wearing sackcloth and sitting in ashes was an outward show; as one would accentuate their act of fasting. The point could not be missed, by those who saw.

Jesus Christ however said, we are not to appear unto men as fasting. We are not to show men what we are doing. Don’t wear sackcloth. Don’t sit in ashes. Don’t disfigure your face. Don’t appear unto men, showing outwardly that you are fasting.

Don’t be of a sad face, looking depressed, downcast or pitiful. Don’t put on a face and consequently, don’t put a demeanor so as to illicit sympathy and pity from others. Hypocrites look pious and humble outwardly. Hypocrites want attention drawn toward them. See what I’m doing! But inwardly hypocrites are insincere, corrupt, and deceitful. Hypocrites look righteous or godly outwardly, to people who see them. But inwardly and to God, they are corrupt.

When you fast, you are to wash your face and look (to others, to the outside world) as though you are not fasting. Christ said when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. Anointing your head was an outward show of joy, vibrancy, wealth and contentment.

When you fast, you should and can feel afflicted but you are not to look afflicted.

In our day and age, in our modern vernacular, what we would say (what we should actually do) is, on the day when you fast, you are to take a shower, wash up, put on cologne or perfume, wear good clothes, brush your teeth, put some lotion on your face, and look sharp.

In other words, appear as though you would appear any other day of the week to those who see you; whether they be your family, friends, neighbors or co-workers. Don’t give any appearance, “to tip someone off,” letting them know you are fasting. It is none of their business. You are not to look unto men as though you are fasting. No one needs to know.

Your fast is to be done “secretly” so that only God the Father is aware of the fact that you are fasting.

Remember your fast, as you choose to keep (outside of the commanded Day of Atonement, a communal fast) is a private and personal fast and needs to stay that way. Again, don’t let others know you are doing it. “Appear not unto men to fast.”

Now consider logically; obviously, family members (those in your household) or a spouse may have to know you are fasting (they probably would figure something is up anyway), especially if you are going to miss a meal or two, which you would normally eat. You can tell members of your household discretely with little detail.

Additionally, it would be disrespectful and dishonorable to your spouse, if (for example) your wife were to cook a nice meal (not knowing you were fasting) and you refused it, without explanation or consideration. When you fast, be smart about it. You can let your spouse know you will be fasting on such and such day, as a courtesy. Doing so would not break Christ’s directive or the spiritual requirements of fasting.

Again, the emphasis is on not showing men; not appearing unto men as to fast.

Certainly, one’s fast should be personal and private.  However, if a husband and wife choose to fast together, it would not be wrong to do so. Likewise if an entire family or congregation chooses to fast as one, for a specific reason, God would honor that fast.

An important lesson to understand in the whole course of fasting is the need to remove yourself from the physical elements of life and to learn to depend completely on God. Fasting is an object lesson, a reality, teaching us that God must be first. God only can help you with the problems you face.

God is the source of life. God only can provide spiritual nourishment which leads to eternal life. When fasting, it truly is between you and God. God, who is spirit, helps us focus on the fact that fasting truly is a spiritual practice, accomplished by overcoming the flesh. Appearing outwardly as to fast, takes away the spiritual elements of fasting. Appearing outwardly as to fast, you are making it about you and not about (and with) God.

When fasting, you are to get out of the physical mindset (don’t worry about what others think), rather you are to concentrate on the spirit. While abstaining from physical food, you concentrate on spiritual nourishment.

As Jesus Christ said, “the flesh profits nothing, the words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Every word of God is the bread by which man should live and consume (Luke 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3); not only physical bread. Fasting helps us to concentrate on the words of God, on obtaining spiritual nourishment from God, as we seek to grow closer to Him and seek first His Kingdom ways.

Romans 14:17; “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Fasting should be approached with the goal that God will answer, acknowledge and respond to your fast. He will reward you openly. He will hear your prayers and acknowledge your concerns.

Fasting is a way to seek God’s will as you grow closer to Him while removing yourself from the flesh’s desires. Fasting is your act of showing that you need God’s intervention and involvement in your life.

The practice of fasting is like exercising muscle. You get stronger with each time. It is easier to do, becoming a natural part of your character and mind. The more you fast, the easier it becomes and the closer you grow toward God, growing stronger in spirit. Your relationship with God grows as you fast.

Regarding a time frame, that is to say, when to start your fast and when to conclude, the example as set forth on the Day of Atonement is one which sets the pattern. Looking at the time frame God established, it would be best to keep your fast according to the same pattern. 

(At minimum) a twenty-four hour fast is established as we read in Leviticus 23:32 the phrase, “from evening unto evening.” From evening (the ending) of one day until the evening (the ending) of the next day – this entails a complete 24 hours. From evening should be your starting point. To start your fast from the evening time would be best both physiologically and metabolically for the human body. 

As the day is coming to an end with the late afternoon or early evening, one can eat his final evening meal before the day ends (before the sun sets), before entering into his fast. Once the new day begins from the evening, the fast commences and continues through the night, then into the morning and during the day.  The main concept understood is to avoid a day’s (24 hours) worth of meals.  The fast would then conclude at the evening, the end of that day, at the setting of the sun. After the sun has set one can break the fast with water and perhaps a small bite to eat or a small meal. A complete 24 hours will have been acknowledged.

As a general tip, consider that before you go into the fast, to refrain from a heavy meal, especially with a lot of salt. Consider too, if you are a heavy coffee or caffeine drinker you may want to consider weaning down a few days before you fast. Each person is different and understanding your body’s limitations is helpful, especially if you are new to fasting.

The “from evening unto evening” pattern would be best to follow. A fast should last twenty-four hours or there about and it would be best to start the fast in the evening/ night as it were, before going to sleep. Again, this same pattern was established by God for the Day of Atonement and He knows what is best for the human body.

Regarding the length, again twenty-four hours would be appropriate. But again that is a personal decision. Some individuals fast for two days, others three. Notice in Esther 4:16. The urgency for Esther and  Mordecia was so great that the fast lasted a full 72 hours; three days (night and day).When fasting, one needs to understand his or her personal health and body’s limitations. One’s medical condition needs to be acknowledged.

If food and medications are a necessity for health reasons or perhaps for age-related concerns, one can, in the right spirit and frame of mind, engage in a partial (personal and private) fast, refraining from food and drink for a partial day or for a designated period of hours within the day. While engaging in a partial fast, one can engage in Bible study and prayer before God and in so doing have the right spirit and frame of mind before God.

If one wishes to fast for twenty-four hours but needs to take medication, a small ingesting of water for the medication’s sake, would be appropriate.

The point which is necessary to remember is a fast is an opportunity to break away from the habits of the flesh (like eating) and the pursuits of the flesh and rather, to focus on, sharing time with God; humbling yourself before God. Fasting allows you to seek nourishment from God, which is essential for the growth and development of the spirit within your mind, the new man (spiritually developing) within you.

Another factor to consider as you fast, as relating to work and activity; you should refrain from servile work, from your common day to day routine and activities when you fast.

Fasting is a means whereby you afflict yourself and break away from your fleshly pursuits and pleasures. When fasting, you should focus on the purpose for your fast, drawing closer to God, in prayer and in personal Bible study, meditating on God’s word. Concentrating on nourishing the spirit of your mind is essential when fasting. Concentrating on drawing closer to God, humbling yourself in His sight, aids in a successful fast.

Consequently, for some individuals it may be difficult to concentrate on your daily duties, work, etc., when fasting. Likewise, it may be difficult to concentrate on your fast when working.

Being at work, for instance, can easily interfere with your focus. If you work a normal 9-5 job, the best approach is to take a day off work in order to fast.  

Some individuals may have limited days with which they can take off work and may have no choice but to work on the day they fast. That being the case, it still is possible to engage in an effective fast.

It can be possible to think about the reason for the fast while actively avoiding food and drink throughout the day. The act of avoidance reminds you of the fast and consequently, why you are fasting.

Then after working through the day and coming home, one can concentrate on prayer and study during the rest of the day, before the evening comes on and the day and the fast is over. Again, this is a personal decision one must make and time and experience will be the best teacher. And of course fasting can be accomplished on the weekends for many.

Above all, prayer (at minimum) or prayer and Bible study should accompany your fast.

Prayer and fasting (privately, in secret unto God, Matthew 6:6, 18) are necessary as you communicate with your Father God in heaven, as you focus on His words, as you grow in His spirit, seeking His guidance. Once again, prayer and Bible study together are necessary to accompany your fast. Doing these together aids you in staying focused on the purpose for your personal and private fast.

Fasting allows you to grow closer to God – if you engage in your fast in sincerity and in truth. Fasting is a form of worship, as you humble yourself, abasing yourself before the Living God – in secret before Him. To fast before God in secret assures that He will reward you openly. To fast, to humble yourself before God shows God you are serious about your relationship with Him and your existence before Him.

Notice what Isaiah wrote. Isaiah 66:2. “… but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor (meek or humble) and of a contrite spirit and trembles at my word.”

One final thought! When fasting keep in mind what James wrote; James 4:6-10. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts you double minded. Be afflicted and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up.”

Telephone: (903) 561-7070