How Do I Fast?

The Scriptures teach we are to fast regularly, humbly, joyfully, and expectantly.

• Fast regularly. Our text puts this in the continuous tense: "When you fast . . . .” We are to fast humbly, not to impress people, like the hypocrites do (Matthew 6:16, emphasis added).
• Fast humbly. “Do not look gloomy” (v. 16). If you’re fasting so that others know you’re fasting, you’re fasting for the wrong reason and won’t grow closer to God as a result.
• Fast joyfully. We’re told to "anoint your head and wash your face," a sign of rejoicing in Jesus' day (v. 17).
• Fast expectantly. Know that "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (v. 18).

Fasting does not earn God's blessings; rather, it puts you in position to receive what God wants to give.

Let’s talk practicalities. Here are a few simple guidelines for fasting:

• Don’t announce your fast. This is personal and usually private. Announcing it may seem self-promoting and give others the wrong impression of why you are fasting.
• Begin with a partial fast. Because we are not used to fasting as a discipline, it is wise to begin by giving up one or two meals. You may attempt this once a week for several weeks before attempting a normal fast. Use the mealtime you’re giving up to spend time with God and give the money you would have spent on the meal to him as well.
• Move on to a normal fast. In Scriptures, the typical fast was from sunup to sundown. When you practice this kind of fast, drink plenty of water. Whenever you feel hunger, think of God and his sacrificial love for you. If you’re fasting for a specific purpose, take that moment to pray for the thing you’re fasting for.
• Seek God’s will for a longer fast. Fasts of three to seven days are the most common in this category. However, some people follow Jesus’ example and fast for forty days. This seems to be the physical limit most people’s bodies can endure. In the longer fast, you may experience more physical discomforts, including headaches, stomach pains, dizziness and weakness. These will improve with time. Your physical bearings will amaze you, but it is more important to monitor your inner bearings. You will continue your daily routine, but inwardly you will be in prayer and adoration.
• Break your fast with fresh fruits and vegetables and with inner rejoicing. Fasting helps equip us for great battles. It can bring about breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that are not possible in any other way.
• Fasting does not necessarily have to involve food. You could fast from television, social media, or your favorite pastime. It needs to be a meaningful sacrifice, though. (While I would enjoy fasting from mowing the lawn, that misses the real meaning of fasting!)

Note: Always consult a medical professional should you have cause for concern when making a significant change to your diet.

We pray that when you next fast, these guidelines will help you and that you’ll experience a deeper intimacy with God.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

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