What Is Fasting And Why Do Christians Do It?

What Is Fasting And Why Do Christians Do It?



Maybe you’ve skipped meals to lose weight or even simply because you’re too busy or tired to cook, but that’s not fasting.

Fasting isn’t some magic ritual to try to get God to answer our prayer. It isn’t about harming our bodies or depriving ourselves. Fasting is about what we gain from the process: focus on God. Fasting is a discipline of abstaining from something good, like food, so we can concentrate on our spiritual lives and find satisfaction in God. 

Fasting is all about a desire for God. The decision to fast should not be motivated by arrogance or legalism. When teaching on this topic, Jesus said, “when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Why should I fast?

When talking about fasting, Jesus begins, “When you fast…” Notice that he doesn’t say, “If you fast…” (Matthew 6:16). Fasting isn’t commanded in the Bible, but Jesus seems to assume that His followers would fast.

Many people fasted in the Bible: Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9-18), Daniel (Daniel 9:3-5), David (2 Samuel 12:16 and Psalm 35:13), Jesus (Matthew 4:2), Paul (Acts 9:9), and many more. People also fasted for different reasons: to mourn, to humble oneself before God, and to focus on praying to God for guidance or preparation.

God will show you that He is what we are truly desperate for.

During Jesus’ fast, He quoted Deuteronomy and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) Fasting can help us understand this truth with new meaning. We can better understand that Jesus is the Bread of Life, who sustains us and supplies our greatest needs (John 6:26-35).

If you decide to fast, you will be physically reminded of your spiritual need. And when you are, God will show you that He is what we are truly desperate for.

How do I fast?

Don't simply give up eating. Set aside intentional time to focus on God. Read the Bible and pray when you would normally be eating or preparing food. Here are some great places to see what the Bible says about fasting:

  • Psalm 16
  • Psalm 42:1-2
  • Psalm 63:1-5
  • Psalm 19:7-14
  • Psalm 119
  • Philippians 4:11-13
  • John 15:1-8

Some people have medical issues that prohibit them from fasting from food. Ask the Lord if there is another way in which you can fast. Maybe fast from social media or television, and use that time to pray and read the Bible.

Practical Tips for Fasting

1. Start slow. If you’ve never fasted before, begin with just one meal.

2. Continue to drink water to stay hydrated. While some individuals in the Bible fasted from both food and water, this choice can be dangerous if you’re not experienced with fasting or haven’t consulted a medical professional.

3. If you’re accustomed to drinking caffeine, don’t stop suddenly. Decrease your intake for a few days before you fast or you may suffer headaches.

4. Don’t overeat before or after your fast. Eat smaller, healthier meals, including raw foods before and after.

5. Tell only people that you must, but try to be considerate of others in your schedule if you fast.

6. Make a firm, prayerful commitment before you begin that you can remember while you’re fasting. Your commitment to fast is between you and God, so be sure to make a sincere, wholehearted commitment. 

7. Consciously reflect on Scripture and your experience. Your physical response will often reveal spiritual truths.


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Published: December 25, 2024

As we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of a profound truth: Jesus, the light of the world, was born into darkness. This light, sent to dispel the shadows, has faced constant opposition. Yet, despite every attempt to extinguish it, the light continues to shine brightly, offering hope and transformation to all who embrace it. Feeling the Weight of Darkness In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us. Many of us struggle to experience the joy and wonder of the season, saying, “I’m just not feeling it this year,” or “It’s not the same as it used to be.” This sense of disconnection is understandable in a world fraught with anxieties and fears. Violence feels ever-present, and hunger, poverty, and loneliness persist in our communities. People face impossible choices between food, medicine, and heat, while others wonder if anyone truly sees or cares about them. The weight of this darkness can make it difficult to see the light. But perhaps we’re expecting too much. Why should it be easier to perceive the light now than it was 2,000 years ago? The Humility of Christ’s Birth Consider the circumstances of Christ’s birth. He wasn’t born in a palace or with grand fanfare. Instead, He entered the world in the humblest of settings—a manger, because there was no room at the inn. His mother, a young woman facing potential scandal, and His earthly father, a simple carpenter, welcomed Him into a world that had little room for a Savior. Yet, God’s plan persevered. Christ entered the world quietly, almost unnoticed. The powerful felt threatened by His arrival, learning of it only through the wise men from afar. Meanwhile, the shepherds—society’s marginalized—became the first to hear the good news, as an angel proclaimed His birth and a heavenly host filled the night sky with praise. The shepherds’ response is a model for us all. Without hesitation, they left everything behind to seek the Christ child. When they found Him, they were transformed, returning to their fields rejoicing and sharing the good news. Our Response to the Light This story challenges us to consider our own response to the light of Christ. Are we keeping watch, ready to recognize God’s movement in our lives? When we hear the good news, are we willing to drop everything to seek it? And when we encounter that light, do we allow it to transform us and compel us to share it with others? The darkness in our world is undeniable, but so is the persistence of light. Even in the bleakest circumstances, God’s love continues to break through. There are people working tirelessly for peace and justice, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and offering hope to the hopeless. These modern-day shepherds have seen the light and now share it with others. Carrying the Light Forward As we reflect on the nativity story, we are called to be more than passive observers. Like the shepherds, we are invited to step out of our comfort zones to encounter God’s presence in unexpected places. This doesn’t mean life’s challenges will disappear, but it does mean we have a choice in how we respond to the darkness. We can choose to be bearers of light, letting the transformative power of Christ’s love shine through us. Imagine the impact if each of us committed to this calling. What if we approached every interaction, challenge, and moment of our day with the awareness that we carry within us the light of the world? How might our families, communities, and world be transformed? The Ongoing Miracle of Christmas The birth of Christ reminds us that God’s light often enters the world in subtle, easily overlooked ways. It pushes through the cracks of our brokenness, reborn in our hearts, minds, and spirits. Our task is to nurture that light within ourselves and help others recognize it in their lives. As we celebrate this season, let’s challenge ourselves to carry the light of Christ into every corner of our lives. Let’s praise God and share the good news, just as the shepherds did. Let’s make room in our hearts and in our world for the Savior to be born anew. The question is simple yet profound: Will we actively seek Christ’s light, allow it to transform us, and boldly shine it into the darkness around us? The answer has the power to change not just our lives, but the world itself. In a world often consumed by shadows, we are called to be beacons of hope, reflections of the divine light that entered the world in a humble manger. May we embrace this calling, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year. For in doing so, we participate in the ongoing miracle of Christmas—the light that continually overcomes the darkness.

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Published: December 18, 2024

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