More Than Just Fasting

“And there was a prophetess, Anna…She was advanced in years…She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day” (Luke 2:36-37, selected portions).

 Fasting, which in its purest sense simply means going without eating, is a word suddenly back in vogue, even outside of the church. Just the other day, I overheard the conversation of someone discussing weight loss. When asked how he’d been successful, his reply was “intermittent fasting.” Even in the church, the purpose of fasting has been blurred. A recent trip to a Christian bookstore revealed a title that I had not seen before, The Daniel Fast Diet.

True fasting seeks after God—His presence, His power, His provision, His promises.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with dieting, Biblical fasting is something far greater. Biblical fasting is never alone. It is always accompanied by prayer. It is often supplemented with worship. Sometimes fasting is attended by tears and sorrow. Daniel, moved to pray for Jerusalem, wrote, “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”

 Biblical fasting is more than a diet, or self-imposed starvation. True fasting seeks after God—His presence, His power, His provision, His promises. Biblical fasting centers on Christ. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple, Anna had been waiting for Him, fasting, praying, worshipping. God did not leave her disappointed. “…At that very hour, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” She had seen her Savior.

 As you fast, look for the Lord’s visitation. Listen for His voice to speak through His Word. Pray, worship—if need be, grieve and lament. God will not leave you disappointed. He will meet you.