“Is this not 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
Bible Verses About Fasting In The Old Testament
Understanding the Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food or drink; it carries a deeper significance in our relationship with God. We see in scripture that the purpose of fasting is often to draw nearer to God, to seek His will, and to humble ourselves before Him. As we delve into the Bible, we realize that fasting helps us to not only focus on spiritual matters but also to align our hearts with God’s desires. It can be a powerful expression of repentance, devotion, and passion for our faith. When we fast, we often find ourselves distracted by the desires of the world, and this special time can bring clarity and purpose back into our lives, allowing us to seek His presence and direction.
Leviticus 16:29
“This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work, whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you.” – Leviticus 16:29
Exodus 34:28
“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” – Exodus 34:28
1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
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
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
The Call to Humility Through Fasting
In our lives, we often face challenges that remind us of our human weaknesses. Fasting is an opportunity for humility and recognition of our dependence on God. As we engage in fasting, we learn to set aside our pride and acknowledge that we are imperfect beings in need of God’s grace. This process helps us to cultivate a heart that focuses on the needs of others while seeking a closer relationship with our Creator. When we humble ourselves through fasting, God sees our hearts and recognizes our commitment to seeking Him above all else. Our vulnerability becomes our strength as we surrender before Him.
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” – Isaiah 57:15
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
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
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
Seeking Guidance through Fasting
We often find ourselves at crossroads in life, unsure of the right path to take or the decisions we need to make. In these moments, fasting can serve as a powerful tool for seeking God’s direction. By dedicating ourselves to a period of fasting, we open ourselves to listen more closely to God’s voice and guidance. This practice allows us a chance to filter out distractions and truly meditate on the truth and wisdom found in His word. God speaks to us in various ways, and fasting can be a catalyst for receiving divine insights needed for our lives.
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” – Acts 13:2
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Luke 2:37
“and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” – Luke 2:37
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Forgiveness and Fasting
One of the most profound aspects of fasting is its connection with forgiveness. As we engage in sincere fasting, we also examine our hearts and relationships with others. This time allows us to reflect on how we may need to forgive or ask for forgiveness. God calls us to reconciliation, and fasting can facilitate this process, helping us to let go of grudges and resentments. We are reminded of God’s grace given to us and are encouraged to extend that grace to those around us.
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Isaiah 58:9
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,” – Isaiah 58:9
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalms 51:10
Fasting for Restoration
Fasting is powerful during times of crisis, grief, or major life changes. It allows us to express our sorrow, our needs, and our hopes for restoration to God. In fasting, we recognize the importance of prayer and earnestly seek healing for ourselves and others. As we seek God during our fasting, we understand that He is always available to restore and renew us. In those moments, God can bring peace and comfort to us when we lay our burdens at His feet.
Job 33:30
“To turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them.” – Job 33:30
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
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
Lamentations 3:40
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:40
The Fruits of Fasting
When we engage in fasting, we may ask what consequences arise from this act of devotion. The fruits of fasting are manifold; we often experience clarity, peace, and a closer connection with God. Fasting not only draws us near to God’s heart but also transforms our spirits and empowers us to serve others more effectively. This period of seeking God’s will can fuel us with renewed energy and passion to serve God and others. Our lives can be transformed by the discipline of fasting, allowing us to bear witness to God’s goodness and grace in our lives.
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Psalms 126:5
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalms 126:5
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
2 Corinthians 12:10
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10
Final Thoughts
Fasting is a profound practice that connects us deeply with God. It allows us to humble ourselves, to seek His guidance, and to find restoration in our lives. As we reflect on the verses shared, we see the many ways God influences our hearts during such times. We may find ourselves transformed, encouraged to extend forgiveness to others, and inspired to bring light into the world. Fasting opens the door for healing, encouragement, and renewed strength to serve our communities. So let us embrace these moments of fasting and allow them to draw us nearer to God, leading to opportunities for spiritual growth.
As we continue our journey, we encourage you to explore more topics, such as Ezra’s Commitment or The Call to Repentance. We hope you find inspiration in your spiritual walk.