“But when you fast, anoint 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 6:17-18
Bible Verses About Fasting
The Purpose of Fasting
As we think about the purpose of fasting, we realize this discipline is not merely about abstaining from food. Fasting serves as a powerful way to draw closer to God. It’s an expression of our desire for communion with Him, reflecting our need for spiritual nourishment. When we fast, we intentionally create space in our lives to focus on prayer and seeking God’s guidance. This can lead to deeper revelations and a renewed spirit within us.
Matthew 6:16
“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.” – Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Luke 4:2
“Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” – Luke 4:2
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is often paired with prayer, and together, they create a potent combination for spiritual warfare. As we pray during fasting, we not only seek God’s presence but also align our hearts with His will. Through prayer, we listen for His guidance, wisdom, and direction in our lives. This powerful duo of fasting and prayer can lead us to profound spiritual breakthroughs and renewal. It invites us to surrender our desires and focus solely on what God may be saying to us.
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Fasting in Times of Trouble
Life often brings us trials and tribulations, and during these times, we might feel compelled to fast. In moments of grief, confusion, or dire need, fasting becomes a way for us to seek God’s intervention in our circumstances. It’s a declaration that we are relying on God’s strength and wisdom, rather than our own. Fasting in these moments can remind us to humble ourselves and approach God, inviting Him into our struggles, and allowing us to experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Ezra 8:21
“There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.” – Ezra 8:21
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16
Jonah 3:5
“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” – Jonah 3:5
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.” – Psalm 35:13
Types of Fasting
Fasting can take various forms and serves a range of purposes. Some of us may choose to fast from food, while others may decide on a different approach, such as fasting from certain activities or distractions. The essence of any fast is the commitment to divert our attention from temporal things towards a deeper focus on God. Understanding the different types of fasting can help us tailor our approach to best suit our personal spiritual growth and the goals we seek to achieve through the act of fasting.
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” – Isaiah 58:7
Luke 5:33
“They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.’” – Luke 5:33
Matthew 9:15
“Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’” – Matthew 9:15
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” – Daniel 10:3
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4
The Rewards of Fasting
Fasting is not merely an act of discipline; it comes with rich rewards. As we obey God’s call to fast, we begin to experience transformation within ourselves. This spiritual practice deepens our relationship with God and can lead to breakthroughs in our lives. The rewards of fasting can manifest in numerous ways, including clarity of purpose, strength to overcome personal challenges, and an increased reliance on God. When we fast with the right heart, the rewards are not always material but rather spiritual and relational.
Isaiah 58:8
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 58:8
Matthew 6:18
“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 6:18
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.” – Proverbs 25:16
Revelation 3:21
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:21
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
Fasting with a Purpose
Fasting with intention can transform our spiritual journey. It’s important to approach fasting with a clear purpose; this could be seeking guidance, interceding for others, or expressing grief. When we enter into a fast with a specific goal in mind, it allows us to focus our prayers and connect with God more deeply. Having a purpose behind our fasting instills determination, making it a more meaningful experience. Ultimately, this connection can lead to significant spiritual growth and a profound experience of God’s presence in our lives.
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” – Luke 18:12
Matthew 6:19
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19
2 Samuel 12:16
“David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground.” – 2 Samuel 12:16
Philippians 3:19
“Their mind is set on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:19
Acts 9:9
“For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” – Acts 9:9
Final Thoughts
Fasting is more than just a practice; it’s an intimate engagement with our Creator. Through the various forms of fasting, we can draw nearer to God, seek understanding, and find strength in times of trouble. This spiritual discipline nurtures our relationship with Him and enhances our ability to hear His voice in our lives. As we fast and pray, let us remain focused on the purpose behind our actions, knowing that God honors heartfelt fasting with rewards beyond our expectations.
Our commitment to fasting can bring about a transformation that not only enriches our spiritual journey, but can also bless those around us. As we embrace fasting, we open ourselves up to God’s plans and purposes in our lives. If you’re seeking more insights on spiritual topics, feel free to explore our discussions around returning to God and the significance of healing and restoration.
Let’s continue to fast and pray with an open heart, inviting God into every aspect of our lives. It’s a beautiful journey towards increased faith and purpose.