As the Easter season approaches, many believers find themselves reflecting on practices that deepen their walk with God. One such practice, often associated with Lent, is fasting. While some traditions actively encourage fasting during this season, others barely mention it. Personally, I wasn’t raised in a context that placed much emphasis on fasting — perhaps due to misconceptions or misuses of the practice. Yet, fasting is deeply woven into the biblical story, and reclaiming its purpose can lead to spiritual renewal.
What Is Fasting?
Fasting, in its simplest form, is the intentional decision to abstain from food for a spiritual purpose. Scripture records many instances of God’s people fasting — from Moses (Exodus 34:28) and David (2 Samuel 12:16) to Daniel (Daniel 9:3) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4). Entire communities fasted together, such as in Joel 2:15 and Esther 4:16. Fasting was commanded on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31), highlighting its communal and sacred significance.
The New Testament continues this pattern. John the Baptist and his disciples fasted, as did Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:37). Jesus himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2), and notably, He assumed His followers would fast after His departure (Matthew 9:15). In Acts, we find the early church fasting when seeking God’s direction (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23). Far from being obsolete, fasting was embraced by the early Christians and recommended by church fathers.
However, not all fasting is pleasing to God. Jesus warned against fasting to appear righteous before others (Matthew 6:16-18). Isaiah 58 shows how fasting can become empty ritualism if not accompanied by justice and humility. In short, fasting must be aimed at drawing nearer to God, not earning praise or trying to manipulate Him.
Beyond Food: What Can We Fast From?
While food is the most traditional focus of fasting, Scripture opens the door to other forms of abstinence. Paul, for instance, references married couples abstaining from intimacy temporarily to focus on prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5). Renowned preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones once described fasting as “the temporary giving up of something that is in itself good, for spiritual reasons.” That could mean stepping away from social media, entertainment, or even specific habits, so long as the goal is spiritual clarity and communion with God.
That said, we must be clear: fasting from sin is not fasting — it’s repentance. You don’t “fast” from gossip or pornography; you turn from it in repentance. Fasting involves laying aside good things to remind ourselves that God is the best thing.
Why Do We Fast?
The reasons for fasting are as varied as the examples in Scripture. Some fasted in times of crisis or danger (Esther 4:16), others when seeking direction (Acts 13:2), and many in mourning or repentance (Nehemiah 9:1; Jonah 3:5). But across the board, the common thread is dependence. Fasting reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. We are sustained not just by bread, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
In Habits of Grace, David Mathis describes fasting as something for “those not satisfied with the status quo… who want more of God’s grace… who feel truly desperate for God.” That captures the heart of biblical fasting. It’s not about skipping meals to impress God or others. It’s about awakening hunger for the One who truly satisfies.
When done rightly, fasting creates space for prayer, repentance, reflection, and worship. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I need You more than I need this.”
How Should We Fast?
Jesus emphasized that fasting should be a private, God-focused discipline (Matthew 6:16-18). This doesn’t mean we must keep our fasts secret at all costs, but rather that our motivation should never be to appear spiritual. Whether fasting as an individual or with others in a church or small group setting, the focus should remain on God.
If you’ve never fasted before, start small. Skip one meal a month and spend that time in prayer. If you’re experienced, consider a longer or more structured fast. Don’t let the idea of fasting disrupt your commitments or harm your health. And if you have medical limitations, consider fasting from something else that holds a strong place in your life. Let the principle guide you: give something up to gain more of God.
The Result of Fasting
Ultimately, the fruit of fasting is intimacy with God. By momentarily letting go of something good, we create space to experience something better — His presence. Fasting trains our hearts to rely less on temporary pleasures and more on eternal truths. When our stomachs growl or our habits tug at us, we are reminded of our longing for the One who truly satisfies.
This season, whether you observe Lent or not, consider engaging in this ancient yet relevant practice. You may be surprised by how much your spiritual vitality grows when you practice intentional hunger for God.
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