I have spent the last eight months studying, discussing and actually practicing the discipline of fasting, and I have put together this short three-part series to share what I’ve learned in the process.
So far we have provided a clear definition of what fasting is and what it isn’t, and we have looked at the Jewish tradition and early Christian practice of fasting as a spiritual discipline. Now, in this third and final post, I’d like to share 3 specific things that I have learned about fasting.
So, here we go…
1. Fasting is a Response
This was a paradigm shift for me in the way that I thought about fasting as a spiritual discipline. Fasting is primarily meant to be a response to something; not a request for something.
In his book, Fasting, Scot McKnight defines fasting like this…
“Fasting is a response to a sacred moment, not an instrument designed to get desired results. The focus in the Christian tradition is not “if you fast you will get,” but “when this happens, God’s people fast.”
This was a profound change in my perspective on fasting.
Before this, I had always viewed fasting as something extra that you could do when you really wanted something from God. (And I’m not quite saying that there’s not some room for that.) But learning to see fasting as a response to something instead of a way to ramp up my request for something was a profound shift in my thinking.
Here’s a few examples of what we might consider significant moments (or “sacred moments”) that might lead us to fast…
Disruptions and new callings: Think about Jesus fasting right after his baptism and at the launch of his ministry, or Paul fasting right after his Damascus Road experience.
Revelation and repentance of sin: Think about David fasting after being confronted about his affair with Bathsheba, or Ezra fasting because of the sinfulness of his own people.
Tragedy and grief: Think about David fasting in response to the death of his son, or Nehemiah fasting after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Again, as Scot McKnight puts it, “When these things happen, God’s people fast.”
And so, I’ve learned to think about it this way: Fasting is a way for us to respond to significant moments that helps us process these moments.
2. Fasting Builds “Muscle”
In a society that relentlessly promotes the pursuit of personal pleasure, and where we can easily indulge in all that the world has to offer, fasting is a helpful discipline.
Fasting exercises our self-restraint, self-denial and self-control muscles.
It is even a discipline that is often prescribed to those who struggle with addictions and/or pornography.
Many of us are more weak than we realize or would like to admit when it comes to not giving in to our natural desires. Fasting can help strengthen our self-control muscles. It helps to “crucify the flesh” (in Paul’s language), it prepares us for difficulty and suffering, and it cultivates a life of more contentment and gratitude.
Fasting can also build our compassion and empathy muscles.
The discomfort of fasting helps us to compassionately identify with those who are suffering in some way. An example of this is committing to fasting every time a friend or loved one has to go through chemo or radiation. It an act of empathy that allows us to somewhat enter into the suffering of others in order to support them.
3. Fasting Slows Life Down
I’ve noticed that I seem to have a heightened awareness of what’s going on around me on the days that I fast. I feel more present with the people around me and more aware of the reality of God’s presence in the world.
There is a physical slowing down that takes place in your body that seems to help slow down your heart and mind as well.
This is part of the beauty of fasting. It is a spiritual discipline that incorporates your body into the mix. Scot McKnight refers to this as an embodied spirituality — fasting emphasizes the deep connection between our body and spirit.
And so, on the days that I’m fasting, I’ve learned to eliminate hurry and to embrace the slowness. I try to avoid scheduling too many things on these days and leave some margin in-between meetings and appointments.
I’ve learned that I don’t want to be distracted when I’m fasting; I want to stay mindful of why I’m doing it in the first place and focus my attention on the presence of God.
Final Thoughts
Fasting is the spiritual discipline of not eating food for a certain amount of time in order to focus our attention on God. The amount of time may vary, but traditionally it is from sunrise to sunset (12 hours) or from sunset to sunset (24 hours).
It is a spiritual response to significant moments in life that slows things down and brings our whole body into play. It also exercises self-denial and builds compassion for others.
Jesus assumed his followers would fast.
The saints of church history have been people who fast.
And so, I invite you to gather a few of your friends and to start trying to implement this practice in your own life. See what you learn (about yourself and the presence of God).
Fasting is an embodied spirituality. It is a spiritual discipline that is found in all the major world religions, but one that is often neglected among followers of Jesus.
And so, with all that being said, I thought these words from the Baptist pastor John Piper were a great way to end this series…
May we be hungry enough for God’s leading that we want to say it with the hunger of our bodies and not just the hunger of our hearts.
Hope this has been helpful!
