Fasting reveals our desperate need for God.
Fasting is the practice of going without food for a time to recognize our desperate need for God. Christ is the bread of life. He is our spiritual sustenance that preserves our life. Our physical hunger reminds us of our spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied by God. The point of fasting is to draw closer to God, not just to inflict pain upon oneself. That being said, it should hurt a little bit and be a legitimate sacrifice.
Traditionally fasting has only involved food and that should be our bread and butter đ (pun intended). But in this day and age where we have come to rely on technology so much, it can also be beneficial for our spiritual lives to fast from technology or certain forms of entertainment.
To Get Started
- Pick a type of fast
- Pick a time period for the fast
- Plan an accompanying practice of prayer to help you stay centered on Christ during your fast.
If youâre fasting from food perhaps you can fast a certain type of food for a long time, ie. desserts for Lent. You could also fast a couple of meals a week or an entire day each week.
If youâre fasting technology pick a type of entertainment that you wonât be participating in, ie. movies, sports, social media, all of the above.
ie. one meal for a week, one whole day, 40 whole days!
If the point of fasting is to draw closer to God then be sure you take the time that you gain to meet with God.
*Jesus teaches us to ânot look gloomyâ when we fast. (Matt. 6:16) So be sure to still put yourself together like you normally would. Be sure that you are not fasting to be noticed by other people and gain approval or status. We are to fast for our Father who sees what is done in secret and allow him to reward us.
