Today we will talk about fasting, specifically focusing on what the Bible says about it. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that many Christians undertake to deepen their relationship with God. It is more than just abstaining from food; it touches on humility, seeking God’s will, and seeking spiritual breakthroughs. By fasting, we demonstrate our reliance on God rather than on earthly things. We may feel challenged to understand this practice, but the Bible provides clear guidance and examples. Let’s take this time to explore what God’s Word has to say about fasting and how it can impact our lives.
Bible Verses About Fasting
The Purpose of Fasting
In our spiritual journey, we might often ask ourselves, “Why do we fast?” The Bible reveals that fasting is not merely about giving up food; it has profound purposes. We often engage in fasting to draw closer to God, to seek His guidance, or to express our deep connection with Him. When we fast, it allows us to focus on prayer and spiritual needs rather than physical ones. It helps us to humble ourselves before God, recognizing our dependence on Him. In these moments, we are reminded that our greatest hunger should be for a relationship with Him and understanding His will in our lives.
Matthew 6:16
“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.” – Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:6
“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?” – Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” – Acts 13:2
Matthew 6:17
“But when you fast, anoint 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.” – Matthew 6:17
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is often mentioned in conjunction with prayer throughout the Bible. We can find strength and clarity through prayer, especially when paired with fasting. This dual practice enhances our communication with God, allowing us to be more receptive to His voice. Through fasting and prayer, we can seek divine direction during pivotal moments in our lives. As a community, we may gather to fast and pray, encouraging each other to focus on God’s will and purposes. This is a time of refocusing our hearts and dedicating ourselves completely to God.
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” – Luke 2:37
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'” – Mark 9:29
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
The Model of Jesus’ Fasting
The example of Jesus is crucial when we consider fasting. He fasted for 40 days in preparation for His ministry, showing us that fasting can prepare us for spiritual challenges and opportunities. We can look to His model of solitude and seeking God’s strength during times of testing. Through His fast, Jesus demonstrated reliance on God’s Word and spiritual nourishment over physical needs. His experience teaches us about disciplines and the importance of setting aside time to seek God’s presence. By following His example, we start to understand fasting as an essential aspect of a faithful life.
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2
Luke 4:1-2
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them, he was hungry.” – Luke 4:1-2
Matthew 6:9
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…'” – Matthew 6:9
John 4:34
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” – John 4:34
Luke 5:35
“But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” – Luke 5:35
Fasting for Repentance
Repentance can also be intertwined with fasting. When we turn away from sin and back to God, fasting becomes a powerful form of expressing our sorrow and desire for forgiveness. Just as the Israelites fasted in times of national repentance, we too can use fasting as a tool for personal and corporate renewal. In these moments, we acknowledge our mistakes and seek to realign our lives with God’s purposes. Fasting during these times can bolster our resolve and show God how serious we are about making changes in our lives.
1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day, they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.'” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Jonah 3:5
“The Ninevites believed God; a fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” – Jonah 3:5
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting and in sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Ezra 9:5
“At the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-denial, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the Lord my God and prayed.” – Ezra 9:5
Fasting in Times of Crisis
In challenging moments, fasting can provide a sense of hope and direction. When we face difficulties, whether personal or communal, fasting can be an expression of our desperation for God’s intervention. It can bring unity in praying for decisions or trials we are facing together as a community. By fasting in times of crisis, we demonstrate our reliance on God and our commitment to seeking His help for what seems impossible. The Bible is filled with examples where fasting led to breakthroughs, and we, too, can expect God to move powerfully in response to our earnest pleas.
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” – Esther 4:16
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
1 Kings 21:27
“When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around moaning.” – 1 Kings 21:27
Matthew 18:19-20
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:19-20
Fasting and the Holy Spirit
Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is integral to understanding fasting. The Spirit empowers and guides us as we fast, helping us to focus on the purpose of our fasting. When we are in tune with the Spirit’s leading, we can experience a transformation in our hearts and attitudes. Fasting connected with the Holy Spirit makes our spiritual work even more fruitful, enabling clarity and discernment and fueling our desire for deeper intimacy with God. Together, let us cultivate an atmosphere where we allow the Spirit to lead us through our fasting, helping us understand its profound impacts.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” – Romans 8:26
Acts 4:31
“After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” – Acts 4:31
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Corporate Fasting
Sometimes, our fasting journeys can include others. Corporate fasting strengthens our unity as we come together in shared purpose. When we collectively seek God through fasting, we generate a powerful impact that draws us closer as a community. The Bible demonstrates this in congregational fasts where leaders and followers alike dedicate time in prayer and fasting for guidance and strength during difficult seasons. Together, we can create a culture of prayer where our corporate fasting fosters discipline, unity, and greater reliance on God’s providence.
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.” – Joel 1:14
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Ezra 10:6
“Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.” – Ezra 10:6
Esther 4:3
“In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.” – Esther 4:3
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
The Spiritual Rewards of Fasting
When we engage in fasting, we can expect rewards from God, although these rewards are not necessarily material or physical. Instead, the true rewards often manifest as spiritual growth, breakthroughs, and deeper intimacy with Him. As we fast sincerely from the heart, the Bible reassures us that God notices our efforts and delights in our hunger for Him. These personal and collective rewards through fasting can lead us to a renewed sense of purpose, joy, and peace in our lives as we draw closer to God’s presence.
Matthew 6:18
“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.” – Matthew 6:18
Isaiah 58:11
“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 58:11
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1-2
Fasting as a Lifestyle
Finally, it’s essential to recognize that fasting can become a broader part of our lifestyle as believers. It’s not just an action we perform during specific occasions but rather a reflection of our ongoing commitment to God and our spiritual growth. By adopting a life of fasting—whether partial, full, or various styles—we invite God to regularly engage in our lives. As we develop this discipline, we learn that our spiritual appetite can continually grow, enhancing our overall connection with God.
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.” – Philippians 3:19
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Romans 6:13
“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” – Romans 6:13
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Final Thoughts
As we conclude, it becomes clear that fasting is a powerful, multifaceted practice in our spiritual journey. From seeking God’s direction to expressing genuine repentance and drawing closer to Him through prayer, we see that fasting is deeply embedded in our relationship with God. Let us remember that fasting is not solely an act of self-denial but is an opportunity for realignment with God’s will, growth, and expression of faith. Whether it’s in moments of individual need or corporate desire, fasting unites us as we seek God’s presence together. Let us continue to embrace fasting as an essential part of our Christian walk, reminding ourselves of the strength and sustenance found in our connection with God.
In our challenging times and personal lives, may we carry forward the lessons of fasting and the transformative power of seeking God sincerely. As we experience the rewards and guidance fasting brings, we can trust in the goodness and faithfulness of our God, knowing He meets us exactly where we are. Let’s aspire to make fasting a regular part of our spiritual lives, discovering anew the sweetness of His presence and strength each day.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
