The 40-Day Mirror Fast: Focusing Your Eyes on Jesus and Off Your Appearanceნიმუში

What a Mirror Fast Symbolizes

Fasting is a principle discussed throughout Scripture. Biblically, fasting is about giving up food to seek the face and heart of God. Sometimes, fasting is connected to the observance of a Jewish holiday or religious ritual. But, in the New Testament, fasting is a way to express a sincere desire for repentance and renewal. Fasting allows us to humble ourselves before God and remember our dependence on him.

While fasting from food is biblical, many who struggle with body image issues may also have a history of disordered eating or even an eating disorder. This can make fasting difficult or even dangerous. For decades, I engaged in fasting, which looked more like an extreme diet. I secretly hoped that by making my food restriction “dedicated to God,” he would help me not eat.

My primary goal was to have a better body, not to hear from the Lord. I couldn’t see my need for humility or repentance from my obsession with my appearance. Instead, I called my food restriction a “fast,” hoping God would bless my eating disorder.

That’s why a mirror fast is safer for most women who struggle with appearance. A mirror fast forces us to take our eyes off ourselves and our bodies. Unlike a fast from food, which could yield weight loss, there’s no way for the mirror fast to make us “look better” in the eyes of others.

Jesus calls out a group of religious leaders for their unholy fasting techniques. They were fasting so that others would see. As we’ll read in one of today’s scriptures, this is not how he wants us to fast. Any type of “fast” that we engage in with the hopes of getting compliments later misses the heart of God.

Let’s pray this prayer together over our 40-day mirror fast.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your grace, mercy, and love. I’m sorry for how my focus has been on my appearance. Please break the bondage that this body image idol has over me. Help me turn my eyes away from my image and turn them towards Jesus.