INTERMITTENT "SPRITUAL" FASTING

 

FEBRUARY 9, 2024


Matthew 6:16-18

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But 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.



When you think of “fasting,” what comes to mind?

Maybe you picture people willingly starving themselves. Maybe you picture a monk living off of dry bread. Or maybe you’re someone who prefers not to think about fasting … ever.

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 4 we read of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness fasting. And based on His conversations with His disciples, fasting was a practice He assumed they would practice as well. See our verse above “When you fast,” it begins.

Intentionally creating space in our lives to hear God by removing things that give us immediate satisfaction can feel uncomfortable. Is that your experience too? This is especially true when our society, well our world, glorifies pleasure with a message that we should deny ourselves nothing.

Some time ago I listened to a podcast on fasting and here are 3 reasons why fasting matters according to the discussion.

Fasting matters as it starves what is stopping us from experiencing God’s presence. It forces us to pay attention to the parts of our lives that we try to drown out through late night binges and social media scrolls. And in the process, it teaches us to rely on Jesus to meet our needs.

Fasting invites, us to give up something we love to make space for something we love even more. Although giving up something you love, like food, may feel difficult and uncomfortable, it is an opportunity to experience great joy, because true joy is only found when our strength comes from Jesus.

Fasting often comes before breakthrough. Moses fasted for 40 days while receiving the 10 Commandments, Daniel fasted for 3 weeks and then received a vision, and Jesus fasted for 40 days and then overcame the devil’s temptations. In each of these cases, God provided clarity, strength, and breakthrough on the other side of faithful sacrifice.

Try completing a fast. If you haven’t fasted often, keep this exercise simple, the goal is to finish. Lately I have read several articles about “intermittent fasting” being good for our physical self, this is where a person introduces a 12 hour fast into their daily routine to start. Perhaps some you do this or have tried this. (there also alternate day fasts, or 2 day fasts) This had me thinking about “intermittent “spiritual” fasting” in which we fast a few hours each day and when during those periods we feel the discomfort of hunger we take those moments as opportunity to turn toward God in prayer seeking clarity, strength and/or breakthrough.

Now, we can fast from things other than food, for example our phones or some other distraction in order to make space to commune with God. I need to say to you if you have medical reasons why fasting from food would have a negative impact on you, please do not risk this practice adjust fasting so that you are not harmed by the practice.

My father was a diabetic and for him to engage in fasting he had to be very careful and his Doctor suggested some helpful ways to him. The whole point of the practice of fasting is to reduce distractions in order to connect with God.

Once you’ve finished the fast, write down anything that stood out to you during this time. Then ask God to give you understanding about what He may be wanting to teach you. 

All the devotions this week have been inviting us to make space for what is important, my prayer is that all of us can use these practices to deepen our connection with our creator.