For most people, fasting is not a common practice. However, the church believes that fasting has a distinct purpose and that the faithful followers of Christ should make this practice a standard part of their lives in order to grow spiritually.
Leviticus 23:27 mentions afflicting the soul. But how should we afflict ourselves?
In Psalm 35:13, David wrote, “I humbled myself with fasting.” The Hebrew word that he used is translated in the NKJV as “humbled,” and is also the same word translated “afflict” in Leviticus 23.
The Living Church of God notes that the act of afflicting or humbling oneself in the Bible is specifically referring to “fasting.”
But why is fasting important, and how exactly should we fast effectively? What are we trying to accomplish when we do it, and how do we get started?
The Physical Aspect of Fasting
A complete fast involves abstaining from both food and water for a certain period of time.
Moses fasted for forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9). Esther fasted for three days (Esther 4:16).
Except for the Day of Atonement, when a one-day fast is required, there is no single correct amount of time to fast. What does matter is what way one chooses to fast.
So, what exactly is the point of fasting?
The human body is designed in a way that a regular intake of food and water sustains it. Food and water are essential for the body’s growth, development, and proper function.
The absence of food and water weakens the body, and one is physically humbled as a result. That’s when the spiritual connection comes in.
The Spiritual Aspect of Fasting
Fasting is a humbling experience, and that’s what God wants to instill in all His children—humility. But why?
Humble individuals are open to learn, admit to their shortcomings, and see the bigger picture. Humility is an antidote to selfishness, and a mindset of humility is a mindset of reality.
When with purposeful intent we choose to abstain from food and drink for a period of time, we cannot help but feel weaker physically—we are reminded of our vulnerability and our need for nourishment. And, as one goes through this process, they will realize that they need God’s words to find strength, God’s Spirit for guidance, and God’s guidance to lead the way.
How to Fast for Spiritual Growth
The fasting that the church is calling for all to do is not about the “intermittent fasting” or “juice fasting” that is often advocated on social media.
As Dr. Roderick Meredith explained in “By Prayer and Fasting,” it’s about taking a day to devote oneself to praying, meditating, and understanding God’s word while abstaining from food and drink.
It is an energizing experience that provides much-needed spiritual strength to face the many challenges in life. Fasting for a day on a regular basis over the course of the year can act as a real tonic for our Christian development.
Diligence, effort, and sacrifice—these are what we must practice if we seek to follow Christ.