YASociety - the Book of Danielনমুনা

The Daniel Fast

By Ps Tim Ault

Many may be familiar with the Daniel fast. In a day and age that opposed Hebrew beliefs, Daniel was determined to obey God and not defile himself with the food Babylonians would consume.

My early childhood was filled with fond memories of growing up, making new friends, playing outside till the sun went down; however, things took a turn for the worst when dinner was served. My parents would always say this one line, “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you don’t get dessert”. It was quite upsetting to hear, which in turn made the experience of eating broccoli and brussel sprouts that much more unbearable. In hindsight, I learnt about the importance of healthy food consumption, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Furthermore, placing value on what we consume in our daily lives, what are we watching? what are we listening to? what thoughts are we dwelling on?

Daniel was aware that Babylonian culture did not align with Hebrew beliefs. He had a resolve to not indoctrinate himself and eat what Babylonians were dishing up as he did not want to break kosher. From a young age he was selected (out of a group of Hebrew youths) to be educated in the ways of the Babylonian court. He learned the literature, the language, court etiquette, and many other skills that would make him useful to Nebuchadnezzar. I believe it’s necessary for us as Christians to understand the culture of our day, so we can best fight the opposition people are experiencing in their own lives. Ephesians 6:12 reads, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers”, which reveals the adversary is not of a physical nature, but spiritual.

Although spiritual warfare is something we should engage in, our focus must be solely fixed on God and the identity He’s given us. When you watch the news and see what’s happening in the world, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed, but Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Daniel had to be careful what he was consuming in his life, not defiling himself by the things of the world, but constantly re-aligning his appetite to the things of God. I love what the Bible promises us in Matthew 5:6. “Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled." Daniel’s request to fast was not a desperate attempt to lose weight but to obey God's commands and draw closer to Him.

What things are you consuming in your life?

Do you have an appetite for the things of God or the things of this world?

Is your identity attached to what you do or who God’s called you to be?

I encourage you - take some time to reflect on these questions, pray that God would highlight things that are not of Him and I challenge you to consider partaking in the Daniel fast.

Prayer

Dear God, we praise You for who You are and what You’ve done in our lives. Help us to live a life that glorifies You. Be with us when we’re tempted, and protect us from the indoctrination of worldly influences. I pray we would have an appetite for the things of God and that our identity won’t be found in our career or people’s opinions, but completely found in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.