Fasting

Fasting is an important spiritual discipline for many Christians. It involves voluntary abstinence from food or other luxuries for a specific period of time in order to deepen one's connection with God and aligning you heart with God's will for the better of those around you or pressing situations. However, fasting is challenging and spiritually stretching. In order to stay motivated and inspired during fasting, it can be helpful to meditate on relevant passages in the Bible and ensure the fast is putting God's will first. In this blog post, we will explore 15 Bible verses that can inspire and guide Christians during times of fasting.

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."

This passage reminds us that fasting should be done in humility and not for the sake of impressing others. The ultimate reward for fasting comes from God and not from public recognition.

Isaiah 58:6-7 - "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? 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?"

Isaiah reminds us that fasting should not be a self-serving act, but one that has a positive impact on the world around us. Fasting should inspire us to take action and serve those in need.

Mark 2:20 - "But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast."

Jesus Himself acknowledges the importance of fasting as a means of spiritual discipline and preparation for times of challenge and change.

Psalm 69:10 - "I weep and fast until evening; I am a scorned man, mocked by all the people."

This passage reminds us that fasting can involve physical and emotional sacrifice. It is not always an easy process, but it can lead to spiritual growth and transformation.

Joel 2:12 - "Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Joel calls on believers to return to God with sincerity and genuine repentance, using fasting as a symbol of their dedication to spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Luke 18:12 - "I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."

This passage serves as a reminder that fasting should not be done for show or personal gain, but as a sincere act of faith and submission to God's will.

Psalm 35:13 - "Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,"

This verse reminds us that fasting can be a powerful means of humbling ourselves before God and seeking His mercy and guidance.

Jonah 3:5 - "The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth."

This story from Jonah illustrates the power of fasting to bring about spiritual transformation on a community level.

Philippians 3:19 - "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things."

This passage reminds us that fasting can serve as a powerful counterbalance to the temptation of focusing on earthly, material desires and priorities.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This verse serves as a reminder that fasting can be a vital part of the process of personal and collective repentance and renewal.

Daniel 10:2-3 - "At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over."

This passage illustrates the seriousness with which Daniel approached fasting as a means of seeking God's wisdom and guidance.

Ezra 8:23 - "So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer."

This verse reminds us that fasting can be a powerful means of prayer and petition, leading to God's intervention and guidance.

Joel 1:14 - "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord."

This passage highlights the importance of community fasting and prayer as a means of collective spiritual transformation.

Acts 13:3 - "So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

This verse illustrates the power of fasting and prayer in the process of receiving and following God's calling and mission.

Nehemiah 9:1 - "On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads."

This verse reminds us of the importance of facing our sins and shortcomings with humility and repentance, using fasting as a means of turning our hearts and minds towards God's forgiveness and grace.

Fasting is a challenging yet rewarding spiritual discipline. By meditating on these 15 Bible verses during times of fasting, we can stay motivated, inspired, and connected to God's grace and guidance. Let us remember that fasting is not a self-serving act, but one that can lead to personal and collective spiritual renewal and transformation.

Reflection Questions

What biblical passages help you stay motivated while fasting?

How do you find the balance between spiritual fasting and physical self-care?

How has fasting changed your relationship with God?

What tips can you offer for fasting in a healthy way?

Do you think it's important to practice group fasting with other believers?

Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to leave your favourite verses in the comments about this topic.