Fasting has in recent times been recognized as having significant medical benefits. But it has significant spiritual benefits too! And it’s noticeable that Jesus says, `**When**` – not **If** – `you fast` (Matt 6:16-17); Jesus just assumes we will fast in order better to meet with Him. So we…… do it because He says so!
So what does fasting achieve?
Fasting –
Clears a space and time for us to meet with God (cf Luke 14:18-20)
God, not my body, is in charge (cf 1 Cor 9:27)
Is a chance to share food with somebody hungry (Isaiah 58:7)
Is one gateway through which God chooses to release His blessing (Matt 6:18)
Is above all a sign of our seriousness: `I want You this much!`
When do God’s people fast in the Bible? (because it happens a lot!)
In moments that are particularly crucial – Esther 4:3,16, Daniel 9:2-3, Nehemiah 1:3-4, Ezra 8:21, Acts 9:9
At times of new beginnings –Acts 13:3, 14:23, Matthew 4:2
When seeking healing for someone else – 2 Sam 12:21-23, Psalm 35:13
In times of failure and defeat – Judges 20:25-26
When we’ve a sense of national crisis – 2 Chron 20:2-3, Joel 1 esp. v14
To express repentance, individual or collective – 1 Sam 7:6, Jonah 3:7, Joel 2:12-17 (and 2 Sam 3:35, Ezra 10:6, Deut 9:18, Neh 9:1-2)
In receiving God’s free gift of unearned forgiveness (old testament Great Day of Atonement = `The Fast’, Acts 27:9; Lev 16:29-31)
So, as God’s people are serious, they fast!
And we can pray and fast…
As individuals
As a couple (for a date!)
As a homegroup?
It’s possible to fast from other things besides food – Paul mentions sex (1 Cor 7:5); other possibilities are social media and television.
But now some VERY important initial medical hints:
Our bodies can function without food for many days, but NOT without water. So do not decrease your water intake during a fast; keep hydrated! Sufficient rest is important too.
Do not stop taking regular medications. Note however that some medications can have a negative effect if taken on an empty stomach, like anti-inflammatories; this may affect whether you decide to fast from food.
It may not be possible for people with certain illnesses to fast at all, and they MUST first discuss this with a doctor. (https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/personal-guide-to-fasting.html comments: `In spite of the safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain people who should never fast without professional supervision. For example:
People who are physically underweight.
People who are prone to anorexia, bulimia or behavioral disorders.
People who suffer from weakness or anemia.
People who have tumours, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases or heart disease.
People who suffer from chronic problems with the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart or other vital organs.
People who take insulin for diabetes or suffer any other blood sugar problem, such as hyperglycemia [when blood sugar levels are too high; or indeed hypoglycaemia when they are too low].
Women who are pregnant or nursing` (breast-feeding).)
Some people suffer from low blood sugar levels. This means if they do not eat regularly they become very weak, get headaches, irritable or emotional, clouded mind, sweating and palpitations. If it is severe they will not be able to do water-only fasts, and fruitjuice-only fasts are not good for them. Small but regular amounts of slow-release carbohydrates are needed to maintain a baseline glucose level in the blood, eg cooked wholemeal rice, raw porridge oats, wholemeal bread plus vegetable juice.
If people have caffeine as part of their usual diet (coffee, tea, chocolate, coke etc) and then suddenly exclude it during a fast, they may get withdrawal symptoms (headaches, palpitations, being shaky, very irritable etc), which wouldn’t be helpful for concentrating on prayer! It may be advisable (for our own sake and for those around us!) to reduce caffeine intake gradually, then stop, in the days before starting the fast.
Some people may manage better by fasting one or two meals a day over a few days, rather than not eating anything at all for one or two days.
If the fast results in any severe pain or swelling, stop immediately and get medical advice.
NB: These brief pointers are NOT intended as adequate or sufficient medical advice, for which this writer does not have the training or the expertise, and they do NOT cover all possible serious side-effects! It is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice; and if you intend fasting for any length of time, get that advice first!
And for much helpful input please consult https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/fasting-for-beginners ; this is the website linked with John Piper, whose book on fasting A Hunger for God is excellent and can be downloaded (entirely free!) from https://www.desiringgod.org/books/a-hunger-for-god . Also helpful, for example if you are planning a longer fast, is the Cru site mentioned above https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/personal-guide-to-fasting.html . Other good resources for further exploration are Roger Forster, Explaining Fasting (only 52 pages – out of print, but look for it secondhand from Amazon!) and Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast.
