Different forms of fasting are becoming more and more popular. For example, intermittent fasting, which involves fasting at regular intervals, or Dry January, a month in which no alcohol is consumed. In addition, more and more Christians are fasting in the 40 days before Easter. This fast is a tradition and we do not find it directly as a prescription in the Bible. Nevertheless, fasting and prayer certainly has a place in the Bible and also in the present day.
Temptation in the Desert
Adam and Eve were tempted in paradise on the point of appetite. In giving in to this, sin entered the world. Jesus was also tempted for appetite during his fast in the desert. He did not yield and thus began the work for our redemption.
“When Christ was most fiercely beset by temptation, He ate nothing. He committed Himself to God and, through earnest prayer and perfect submission to the will of His Father, came off conqueror. Those who profess the truth for these last days, above every other class of professed Christians, should imitate the great Exemplar in prayer.” 2T 202, 203.
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting than we find in the Bible is more than abstaining from food. It is not about the outward form, as can be read in Jesus' words Matthew 6:16-18. Certainly not to gain respect or attention from others. Isaiah 58 also addresses the fasting of hypocrites. They fasted to gain favor with God and secure His approval of their evil deeds.
God asks us to fast for a special purpose. “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:12-13.
The intent of fasting and praying is to gain insight in our sinful nature, to humble our hearts before God and receive His pardoning grace. True fasting, as the Lord intended, is to purify our motives and reform our lives.
“The spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spirit that subjects mind, heart, and will to God.” MS 28, 1900.
Reasons for Fasting and Prayer
There are a number of situations where fasting and prayer is appropriate. In several places in the Bible it is mentioned that a time of fasting and prayer is proclaimed. These are situations in which special help from God is needed. An example of this can be found in King Jehoshaphat, who was in distress. “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4. Fasting and prayer in such circumstances is accompanied by humiliation, repentance, confession of sin.
Another reason to fast and pray is in preparation for studying God's Word. Daniel did this too. He discovers a prophecy from Jeremiah, which he wanted to understand. The prophet seeks the Lord in prayer with fasting in the ninth chapter of Daniel.
What is striking in these situations is that God gives His help, insight and encouragement.
“For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.” Letter 73, 1896.
Added value of Fasting
Prayer and the right attitude seem to be at the core. What then is the added value of fasting in these circumstances? What, how much and how often we eat affects our physical and mental functioning. Where we are out of balance, fasting helps to rebalance our health.
Effects on the mind
After 12 hours without food, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a chemical in the brain that stimulates the production of new brain cells and supports the formation of new connections between nerves, rises. BDNF also helps to adapt to new circumstances. So it helps you in learning and forming memories. Fasting helps your brain function better.
Fasting can help you feel calmer, focus better, and think more clearly. All things that support praying for certain things in a positive way.
Effects on the body
Immoderate eating and eating highly processed food is often a cause of many diseases. Scientific research shows that sensible fasting has a beneficial effect on the health of many people with a chronic condition. In case of an acute illness, skipping a meal or two can calm the body and promote recovery.
Fasting gives our system a rest, because food not only provides our body with energy, it also costs a lot of energy to digest. If we do not eat for a while, this energy can be used for recovery, healing and detoxification.
Ask and it will be given to you
Short-term fasting has its place in the Christian lifestyle, but I have to add a disclaimer here. Be extra careful about fasting if you have a chronic illness, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have not fasted before.
Fasting should not go as far as to weaken you. “Praying and fasting” is essentially about your heart condition.
“All the fasting in the world will not take the place of simple trust in the Word of God. “Ask,” He says, “and ye shall receive.” John 16:24 . … You are not called upon to fast for forty days. The Lord bored that fast for you in the wilderness of temptation.” Letter 206, 1908.
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