I’ve been blogging for nearly a year now and have written more than 200 devotionals for you guys, but I just realized a moment ago that I am yet to touch on the subject of fasting. And as important as fasting is, I’d like to take this opportunity to share and discuss a few Scriptures on the subject.

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

                                       -Esther 4:16

Traditionally, fasting is considered to be a period of abstinence from food (and sometimes water) for the purpose of intensified prayer and drawing closer to God. Many times, a person will fast when seeking direction from God, or when they or somebody else they know has a need in their life that needs attention. What to fast from and how long to continue fasting is generally decided by the individual concerned, although making these decisions through prayerful consideration is always a good idea.

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”

                                                                   -Job 23:12

Besides creating more time to spend in prayer and Bible study, fasting also shows the Lord how important He is to you. Think about it. When you put Him before food (or whatever else you may be fasting from), you are saying, in essence, “God, You are more important to me than anything. I would rather miss a meal than miss out on time spent with You!” The Lord greatly honors this kind of commitment, and our additional prayers may be just what it takes to break through the barrier that stands in our way. Additionally, fasting has the strange ability to give us a renewed zeal and  love for God that lasts much longer than the fast itself. In my opinion, that simple truth alone makes any hunger pains more than worth the end result.

Another type of fasting which you may be more familiar with, and that has become even more popular in recent days, is that of abstaining from some material thing in your life. This could include television, video games, recreational reading, or anything else you think you could use a break from. I’ve participated in this type of fasting many times, and it can be just as beneficial as the traditional method given the proper circumstances. Not only does it create more time to spend with God, but it can also help to break any bad habits we may have developed. On the other hand,  if you’re the type of person that doesn’t waste too much time on trivial things, this may not be the way to go. Once again, prayerful consideration is the best way to determine how you should fast  and for what length of time.

Whatever you choose to fast from, the Lord will honor your desire to draw closer to Him and bless you for it. Whether it means missing a meal or your favorite T.V show, no fast that is done in a spirit of true worship and humility is a wasted effort.