I recently stumbled upon an insightful phrase: "You cannot fully partake in Christ's abundance without embracing His discipline." This discipline often takes the form of fasting—a spiritual practice prioritized in the Bible yet often overlooked in modern Christianity. Is it possible we're missing out on a richer relationship with God?

Matthew 6:18 (NIV) states: "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."

Fasting, just like prayer, has multiple roles in a believer's life. Here's a look at what fasting means from a biblical perspective:

1. A Means of Humility: By fasting, believers surrender their physical needs to focus on their spiritual needs, submitting humbly to God's will (Psalm 35:13).

2. Sign of Repentance: It's often used as an act of repentance, recognizing our sins, turning from them, and seeking God's forgiveness (Jonah 3:5-10).

3. A Time for Reflection: Fasting creates calm moments for spiritual reflection, stepping away from our daily preoccupations and closer to the divine (Daniel 9:3).

4. An Act of Worship: Fasting is not mere abstinence from meals but an act of worship. It's a spiritual sacrifice that honors God and puts Him at the forefront of our lives (Acts 13:2).

5. A Spiritual Discipline: As a spiritual discipline, fasting molds character, deepens faith, builds spiritual strength, and cultivates resilience (Matthew 4:1-11).

Acts 13:3 (NIV): "After they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

Fasting is an exquisite tapestry interwoven with humility, penitence, reflection, and discipline. It is a balm that soothes the soul and strengthens spiritual resolve.

Daniel Day Fast

One popular approach, which I’ve used before, is the Daniel Day Fast. When Daniel was living in the Babylonian court, he resolved to adhere to a clean diet that would not defile him according to God's laws. This non-defiling diet avoided food and wine from the king, which did not adhere to God's rules for clean and unclean foods. Daniel and his friends decided to only eat vegetables and drink water, and they proved healthier than those who ate the king's food. This has led to the modern adoption of the Daniel Fast as a way to grow closer to the Lord, typically coupled with prayer and meditation.

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, lasting a specified period (often 21 days) where participants refrain from certain foods:

• Meat and animal products

• Sweeteners

• Leavened bread and processed foods

• Solid fats

• Certain beverages like alcohol or caffeinated drinks

Instead, those adhering to the Daniel Fast consume:

• Fruits

• Whole grains like barley, oatmeal, brown rice

• Legumes like beans, lentils, peanuts

• Healthy oils like olive, coconut, or sesame oil

• Nuts and seeds

• Unleavened bread

• Water and unsweetened non-dairy milk

Fasting isn't just a dietary regimen but also a period of deepening one's spiritual connection with God through prayer, meditation, and reflective practices. Consider fasting for greater spiritual understanding and to draw closer to God, the ultimate purpose being to honor God and align oneself with His commandments.

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1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV): "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

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I'm grateful for your company on this spiritual journey. At the end of the day, my hope is that we all find ourselves closer to God.

In Christ,

Mike

The Radiant Witness