Fake Fasting

This has always been a spiritual discipline that has fascinated me. I have fasted on occasion, but not very regular at all. I think fasting is one of spiritual disciplines that brings clarity and focus when done properly and biblically. Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days. I believe God’s plan was to set aside time for prayer and focused intensity on His way and His will. Check this out…

6 ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice

    and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free

    and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry

    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter –

when you see the naked, to clothe them,

    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,

    and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness will go before you,

    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;

    you will cry for help, and he will say: here am I.

‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression,

    with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

10 and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry

    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

then your light will rise in the darkness,

    and your night will become like the noonday.

11 The Lord will guide you always;

    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

    and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

    like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:6-11 NIV)

 

Fasting is a spiritual discipline mentioned in Scripture a good bit. The prophets and leaders of the Old Testament as well as Jesus Himself practiced fasting. It is a way for me to tell my body that I’m in control of it and not the other way around. The Lord loves it when I intensely seek His face. I am not personally experienced with fasting on a regular basis. I do believe that when I fast, I should do so secretly or discreetly and not draw attention to myself. I believe fasting should also be accompanied by intense prayer and seeking the very heart of God. I also believe that fasting to loose weight is not a good healthy choice. Fasting is really not about me – it’s about Him. I came across a really good article by Campus Crusade called: “Your Personal Guide to Fasting & Prayer”. I feel like after reading this passage of scripture this morning that I should seek to implement this discipline into my life on a more regular basis.

Pressing On!

Dwayne