What is fasting?
Learning to Hunger for God more than anything else.
In fasting, the believer voluntarily abstains in some significant way from food and/or drink for spiritual purposes. One may also abstain from something else like technology, media, etc., but the primary method we see in Scripture is mainly from food (Matt 6:16-18, 9:15, Joel 2:12, Ezra 8:23, Acts 9:9, 13:2, 14:23).
Fasting confirms our complete dependence on God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food. Through the discipline of fasting, we learn that God’s Word is a life substance, that it is not simply bread alone that gives life, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4). We also learn that we too have food to eat that this world knows nothing about (John 4:32, 34).
Fasting with Jesus, then, is feasting; feasting on Him and on doing His will. When we fast, we learn how to suffer well, with joy, as we feast, because in life we all will suffer, and fasting teaches us about the peace, dependence and presence of Jesus that is so sweet and satisfying more than anything this world has to offer (Ps 34:8).
When we regularly practice fasting as a spiritual discipline, we will have a clear and constant awareness of the resources and strength available in God. This helps the believer endure trials of various kinds, knowing that we are not alone, and that our Good Father hears every prayer and cares for our every need.