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Fasting
Completion requirements
Some mistakenly view fasting merely as self-deprivation meant to show God we mean business. However, as Dr. J. L. Miller argues in his overview of this topic, fasting is not just about refusing food or embracing hunger to show God our earnestness. Rather, fasting has multiple dimensions. It is a spiritual discipline with great benefit that is often ignored today.
When we hear about fasting, we understandably think immediately about food. However, fasting is about more than dietary restrictions. As Dr. Miller indicates, it can be a profound spiritual practice. As a means of grace, here are some of the gifts God sometimes can give us through fasting.
Recognizing Dependence
At its core, fasting reveals our profound dependence on God. By temporarily abstaining from sustenance, we are reminded of the daily blessings we often take for granted. Everything, from the sun rising to the crops growing, illustrates our reliance on God’s provision. This realization can be humbling and ground us in gratitude.
Cultivating Gratitude
The very act of abstaining fosters appreciation. In the video overview, Dr. Miller lightheartedly talks about how not being able to eat your favorite cereal can make you more appreciative of it when you can eat it again. Fasting can make us appreciative of all those who make food available to us – from farmers to truckers to grocers, not to mention God for the sun and the rain that nurtures the soil. This awareness can shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance we are often bestowed with daily.
Hungering for God
Physical hunger can mirror our spiritual hunger. As we feel the pangs of an empty stomach, it can prompt a deeper yearning for God, a longing for his presence and guidance. This alignment of physical and spiritual desire can create a more profound connection with God, enriching our faith.
Mastery Over Desires
Fasting cultivates discipline. As we resist the temptation of, say, a favorite donut shop during our fast, we strengthen our willpower. This discipline, honed during fasting, can aid us in navigating other life temptations, reinforcing our capacity to choose a spiritual path over fleeting desires.
As mentioned in the video, fasting isn’t just “rocket fuel for prayer.” While fasting can amplify our prayers, viewing fasting solely as a means to make our prayers more effective misses out on some of its other potential benefits. Fasting is not just about presenting God with a “bigger ask.” It is also about quieting our inner chaos, so we are more receptive to God’s voice.
Fasting is also not a perpetual mandate. Throughout history, religious calendars have set aside specific seasons for fasting and feasting, each holding its own significance. Just as there are times for introspection and restraint, there are times for celebration and gratitude. Fasting helps us strike this balance, allowing us to embrace both the ebb and flow of spiritual life.
Fasting is ultimately a tool of transformation. It is a journey inward, an exploration of our spiritual depths. By consciously choosing to abstain, we open ourselves to deeper relationship with God and revelation from God. It is a healthy spiritual practice that is often overlooked these days. We would do well to revisit it as a spiritual discipline.