THE HARDEST SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

“Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work within us.” – Bill Bright.

Oh no, not another devotional on fasting. I’m not good at it probably because I don’t like to fast. My stomach doesn’t like it. It makes me cranky. Is it that important to my spiritual well-being? Most people view fasting as the hardest spiritual practice.

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says when you fast, not if you fast: “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Fasting is a practice where believers abstain from food or other physical desires for a specific period to deepen their connection with God. It’s a discipline that involves intentionally abstaining from something regularly enjoyed, like food or other things, to focus on spiritual matters. Fasting is a secret declaration to yourself and God that you want more of the abundant life that can only be found in more of God and less of the world.

There’s something powerful that takes place when we willingly surrender our satisfaction in life and activities to make space for more of God. Whether you’re fasting from food, entertainment, relationships, or anything else to make space for more of God, the intention of God for fasting is to realign your life to position you to receive all He has for you.

We are not trying to make such a significant sacrifice that God will take notice of us. God did not design fasting as a burden to be borne or a rule to be followed in an attempt to earn divine favor; instead, the intent was that in denying ourselves that which usually satisfies our appetites, we might turn instead to God – expressing our dependence on Him, our desire for Him, and our delight in Him. There is nothing we can do to gain God’s favor besides what Jesus did on the cross.

In Psalm 63:1, David writes that his deepest needs can be met only through God: “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” David wrote Psalm 63 to express his longing for God. He craved God’s presence as he craved food and drink. Just as David yearned for God in the wilderness, we too can acknowledge our dependence on God and develop a deep longing for God. By applying spiritual practices, we can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, just as David did in Psalm 63.

Fasting is a powerful practice that can help individuals deepen their relationship with God, cultivate spiritual disciplines, and experience personal transformation, even though it can seem challenging to do.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your initial reaction to the idea of fasting? Is it positive, negative, or neutral? Why? 
2. What do you see as the purpose of fasting in the Christian life? 
3. What are the potential benefits of fasting, both for personal spiritual growth and for engaging with God’s work in the world?