Fasting
What is fasting? Why does one fast? How should one fast? What are some things to expect while fasting? What are the benefits? Is there such a thing as fasting unrighteously?
What is fasting?
Fasting is abstinence from something for a prolonged period of time. There are many reasons why people fast, some righteous and some not so righteous. But the whole purpose of fasting is to give up those things which take real self discipline to give up. For some that is food, for others it may be something like T.V. or some other fleshly pursuit which does nothing for us spiritually. For the purpose of this article I'll be concentrating on abstaining from food.
What are some godly reasons for fasting?
Isaiah 58:6- 6Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Throughout or walks believers suffer from a variety of issues which are impediments to their growth and their walk due to some yoke of the carnal nature which keeps or puts us in bondage to it. For some it may be smoking. For others swearing. For others it may be anger. It could a whole host of things which cause us to feel like we have no power to overcome these things. As we fast, especially for prolonged periods, we find that these things have less and less influence over us, until we come to the point where there is no longer that draw, that compulsion which left us feeling like we just couldn't get away from those behaviors or habits. Fasting truly is an experience which offers us a whole lot of freedom.
Isaiah 58:7- 7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Another righteous reason to fast is to help feed someone else. God sees it as a noble sacrifice to go without food in order to provide for another or to recognize the needs of others ahead of our own.
Fasting is also a great way to uncover those fleshly impulses which we may not even be consciously aware of. Fasting really creates an ability to genuinely and unbiasedly reflect upon ones self, enabling us to be truly honest. For many people this is a very difficult thing to do and for others it is something which they have never genuinely done. There's no hiding the flesh, most especially in the first few days of a prolonged fast. The carnal nature literally screams out for that thing which we used to tickle our flesh and when denied reveals the true ugly within us.
Fasting can be a great tool of humbling one self if done righteously. When we turn to the Lord in sincerity, truly having a broken heart over our ways God will always be gracious to us. This is the type of fasting which is pleasing to him because it's not an outward showing, but a change in the condition of our hearts, which in turn leads to a change in thinking and actions. (Joel 2:12-13, Daniel 9:3)
Isaiah 58:11- 11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Another reason to fast is to seek God's face. Oftentimes, we can't see spiritually and our flesh gets in the way, in the form of doubts, fears, anxieties, double-mindedness and other inclinations. In Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, our Lord tells the disciples why they couldn't cast the demon out of a boy. When understanding the violent nature of the demonic episodes it becomes easy to understand how the disciples were second-guessing and fearful. This is why in Matt. 17:20, the Lord told them that the reason why they couldn't cast it out was due to their unbelief. But He was also gracious in telling them that that kind of demon, because of it's strength, could only be cast out by prayer and fasting. Prayer and fasting greatly increases our faith and resoluteness which enables us to walk more confidently and purely in Him, which in turn allows us more access to His strength.
When we fast things also become spiritually more clear to us and our decisions end up becoming more assured. Fasting definitely adds to ones confidence because it enables us to hear from the Lord more clearly without our own imaginations getting in the way. We are better able to focus and see things as the truly are. It's like God giving us his eyes and understanding and once one sees this way, it can easily become a discipline which one adopts because of the great rewards. It can truly be a spiritually refreshing experience.
This is also why in Acts 13:1-3 they fasted. When fasting it makes the will of the Lord much more clear and easy to discern because the flesh is subdued. Also in Acts 14:23 Paul fasted in order to be clear about who the true elders were and to be able to have peace with those who they recognized. Again, fasting helps us to set aside any type of fleshly impulses or biases which we may unknowingly carry within us, allowing decisions to be made in much more purity.
Another reason to fast is for physical healing of ones self. Also mentioned in Isaiah 58:8, fasting has a physical healing effect. After 4-7 days the body's digestive system shuts down freeing up to 70% of the energy usually used by the body in digestion and focuses it one healing our body. Not only physical ailments like hemorrhoids, acid reflux, worms, and other common ailments. But it also does wonders for our bodys chemical system too. As time passes our bodys hormonal activity levels out and can often be a complete cure for thigns such as depression, anxiety, anger, which are results from a buildup of wastes from the foods which we eat and are not expelled from our body.
Isaiah 58:12- 12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
Another reason why one may fast is in order to bring restoration or repair in an area. In order to be a restorer one must be able to see things clearly and purely by the Spirit. otherwise one will make a worse mess of things in what one was attempting to fix. Depending upon the task and sacrifice involved, one must be freed from those fleshly influences which often hold one back from doing what is needed in a very dramatic way. for instance when our Lord went into the wilderness to fast for 40 days, this was to insure that He was not only hearing from God purely, but was totally prepared for the trials which He was about to face. Oftentimes the tasks which the Lord sets for us to accomplish will include great persecutions and oppositions. But when a person comes out of that place of great closeness and intimacy with God, a total breaking of the flesh, and clarity of vision and purpose one is able to withstand the perscutions and opposition which often comes from those we are sent to and/or who we love the most. Again, fasting can be a great source of spiritual strength.
Luke 2:36-37- 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
There are also those people who feel called to a life of fasting. It can be as a part of the calling of an intercessor or part of another role to play. Again, it is a great source of growth for one seeking to grow closer to the Lord.
Corrupt reasons for fasting
Just as there are righteous reasons for fasting there are also unrighteous reasons, ways, and motives for fasting which our Lord doesn't approve of.
Isaiah 58:3- 3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
People oftentimes fast and yet don't produce godly fruit from their endeavors. Because they haven't truly prepared hearts their hearts, people can go into a fast with no intentions of breaking their flesh, or turning their hearts towards the needs of others. They continue to treat people roughly rather than empathizing with them which results in a softening of attitudes, even towards those who we may have previously had enmity with. Oftentimes people have no intention of fasting in order to break yokes and habits on the flesh, but simply continue to seek there fleshly comforts.
People even fast in order to point the finger of supposed piety at others, which in turn often leads to strife and arguments. It also can and does lead to spiritual arrogance, which really isn't spiritual at all but simply an exercise in the flesh.
Matt 6:16-18- 16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
This is an excellent example of fasting for appearances rather than fasting in order to seek after God. It also demonstartes that there is no significant spiritual reward for this type of fasting. At best it simply brings an appearance of piety and accolades from those who know no better. One shouldn't fast in order to maintain or put on an air of spiritual superiority. One should fast in order to be pleasing to God because it's Him alone who our spiritual blessings come from and these are the true treasures which a spiritual being longs for.
Zechariah 7:5-7: 5Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? 6And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? 7Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
This passage of Scripture demonstrates God's displeasure with those who fasted but refused to change their ways. Just like today there were many people, even houses, which call for a fast but never really seek to change their ways or behaviour. When a person knowingly isn't walking according to God's will, heart, mind, or ways they are not going to please the Lord until they repent. Our Lord frowns upon hypocrites and the reward in fasting is greatly reduced, if not eliminated altogether. Unless one is totally serious about drawing closer to the Lord, fasting really becomes nothing more than an exercise in the flesh.
What to expect physically when fasting for prolonged periods
When going on long fasts of more than a week, one may experience hunger pains and headaches for the first four or five days. These can usually be decreased or eliminated by increasing ones intake of fluids. It's very important to drink only those fluids which don't have to pass through one's digestive system but are directly absorbed through the stomach. Avoid milk, orange juice, or anything which contains materials which pass through the whole digestive system.
For the first week or so, one may experience constipation, which I would counsel a simple cup of coffee to clean out one's system. But beware, too much coffee can wreak havoc on the system actually producing diarhea. If this happens one must really increas one's fluid intake until it passes.
Another physical result of fasting is weight loss. For the first 7-10 days it's normal to lose anywhere from 3-5 pounds a day. Especially when drinking nothing but water or green tea. This is the time when the digestive system in the process of shutting down. When the digestive system shuts down the hunger pains and headaches will disappear. After about a week or so, the body's hormones have leveled out and weight loss drops to about a pund or so a day. One also won't be in the mood for sex, at all, lacking the energy and the inclination. it truly is a time for separating one's self for God.
As time goes by one will notice that one's tongue will begin to feel sort of dry and chalky no matter how much water one takes. This is actually one of the body's ways of excreting poisons and toxins which have been built up. Coffee drinkers will actually notice that there tongues become a coffee brown. Even green for those who stick to green tea.
One may also experience a sense of lethargy, this is because the body is using stored up body fat,and even burning muscle as time goes by. As time goes by, one will notice an ability to focus on what is being said or displayed and see beyond any masks/pretenses which are put up, but which many poeple are blind to. One will also be more likely to not want to argue, even when provoked keeping a sense of peace which is enlightening.
After two weeks or so, one will notice a severe energy drain. This is normal. Heavy exercise or getting up out of a chair or bed should be made with care. I generally make sure that I walk for at least a mile, but not everyone can take that much activity and must save their energy for work and house duties.
As the weeks pass on, the discoloration begins to change as the toxins are almost gone from the body. During this cleansing process, one may also find that one has an odor due to the toxins coming out throught the skin, no matter how muchone showers. this is one reason why many people who take prolonged fasts tend to stay at home and only go out when they have to. But it, too, will pass. Another thing which one may notice is that one's breath starts to smell like roses. Literally. I can't explain that one but it happens.
Cautions
I'd like to caution you that if you feel led to fast, do so carefully. don't set a goal for yourself which is unrealistic. If you've never fasted before, start slowly with a fast of a day or two and gradually build up your tolerance. You will see results very quickly.
I also recommend that one prepare themselves before a long fast by eating nothing but salads or high fiber foods which will help ease the clearing of the digestive system. do not eat a huge meal before a long fast, as it can really increase the chances for severe constipation and discomfort. Also when coming off of a long fast, do not immediately eat a large, heavy meal. This can actually cause one's body to go into shock and one could die. Also there is an increased chance of developing kidneys stones due to the sudden surge in food, the body's digestive system abruptyl becoming active, and not enough water in the body to properly balance the digestive system out. Believe me when I say you do not want to develop kidneys stone and pass them. It is one of the most painful expereinces which one can endure.
Finally, and most importantly, I would like to remind you fast as led by the Spirit. He will know what you are able to handle and what you can't. He will even let you know when it is time to stop fasting. Trust Him and let Him lead you. If you have a medical condition speak with your doctor first, and if you decide to go ahead and fast, start off slowly.
I live a life of fasting with many prolonged fasts throughout the year and I must testify that it is one of the most enlightening and rewarding things which one can do. When couple with prayer, one can grow at a phenomenal rate. It will help you see yourself for who you really are; the good, the bad, and the ugly. It will allow you to see into situations with such insight that it will amaze you. It will enable you to have a thicker skin, making one able to withstand criticisms and persecution which at one time would have been heartbreaking or leading to resentment and bitterness. There are just so many spiritual rewards that I really can't encourage people to fast enough. I hope that this teaching has been a blessing to you.
