Slow Down And Fast

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18)

I grew up going to potluck dinners. If the term potluck is unfamiliar to you, think of it as the “white elephant gift exchange” concept applied to church wide fellowship dinners. It’s a meal where each family brings something to eat and sets it out on the table for everyone to share. You never know what you’re going to get. A lot of it is not that desirable, like the Jell-o salad that consists of leftovers such as beets, tuna fish, Spam, Velveeta cheese (which isn’t cheese), and peanut butter mixed together with Jell-o. Or the marinated carrots that someone always brings. I always begged my mom to take something good, like a bucket of chicken or her Cherry/cream cheese dessert. I remember many church events that centered around these meals. But I can’t remember a single one that celebrated fasting.
To fast is to voluntarily abstain from food for spiritual purposes. But fasting has been neglected in the church for a long time. When was the last time you heard a sermon about it? (Maybe the church is fasting from fasting. I don’t think that counts.) It is mentioned in the Bible as many as 77 times, and although God does not command us to fast, Jesus seems to assume that we will. (Notice that He says “when,” not “if.”)
Fasting is not the same as a crash diet. It’s goal isn’t a “quick cleanse” or rapid weight loss. It is not meant to make us appear more spiritual to others or look better in the sight of God. Instead, it is an expression of grief over loss or sorrow for sin. Fasting displays mastery over our bodies and tangibly demonstrates our dependence on God. For thousands of years, God’s people have fasted to empower their prayers or to ensure safety. In the New Testament, believers fasted to seek God’s guidance. Jesus Himself, fasted 40 days and nights in the wilderness before setting out on His public ministry.
Fasting simply brings us closer to Him. By denying ourselves what our bodies often crave the most, we dedicate our entire worship in love to the God who sustains us.

DENYING TODAY
Privately declare a fast — not in order to fit into your skinny jeans or swimsuit, or even as a test of your discipline. Fast for the express purpose of spending time with God. Choose a water-only fast for one day or three days, or fast from specific foods for the next week or two. Pray that you will have a greater hunger for God and His Word than for the food of this world.