Fasting: Fixing Our Eyes on God
(8 Minute Read)
By Naomi Lorenzin
If you’ve been tracking with us through “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster, we’re moving into the third inward discipline of fasting. Fasting is abstaining from something like food, social media, TV, etc. for a specific amount of time to seek God.
If you plan to fast as a family, or have children involved, it is recommended to fast an activity rather than food. Whatever it is you choose to fast and the length of the fast must be approached with intentional thought and prayer, centering on spiritual purposes. (Pg 49)
Although there are many examples of people fasting in the Bible for different reasons, “There simply are no biblical laws that command regular fasting. Our freedom in the gospel, however, does not mean license; it means opportunity,” writes Foster (Pg 51). Opportunity to walk a little closer to God, to feel a little deeper, to see a little clearer the things He is up to. “Fasting must forever center on God. It must be God-initiated and God-ordained.” (Pg 54)
Fixing our eyes on God
In Luke 18 Jesus shares a comparison between a tax collector and a pharisee. The Pharisee is so proud of his morality, praying aloud in the marketplace thanking God he ‘fasts twice a week and pays his 10% of tithe.’ Meanwhile, the ‘tax man’ recognized his sinful heart and quietly asked God for mercy and forgiveness (vs 9-14 MSG). Foster notes in his book that Pharisees would often fast on market days, so they would have the biggest audience. (pg 51) The admiration of the people became his reward…rather disappointing in comparison to what God had planned for the blessing!
Foster quotes John Wesley: “‘First, let it [fasting] be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in heaven…’ That is the only way we will be saved from loving the blessing more than the Blesser.” Pg 55
Have you ever said ‘I’m so hangry!’? Foster writes, there is a reason for this anger, the hunger is just bringing it out to be dealt with. Whatever is in us will be revealed through fasting.
“Once the primary purpose of fasting is firmly fixed in our hearts, we are at liberty to understand that there are also secondary purposes in fasting. More than any other discipline fasting reveals the things that control us. …We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface.” Pg 55
Jesus reminds us that we are sustained ‘by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ (Mt 4:4). The point of fasting is to feast on the Word, to move deeper into that love relationship with God. Fasting becomes feasting when we go deeper in the Word, experiencing it coming alive to us.
What keeps you going?
Foster goes on to talk about how fasting is like the banks of a river keeping our lives in check. What do you find yourself reaching for that maybe brings your life up on the banks rather than continuing to flow downstream? When you’re frustrated or overwhelmed, what is it you reach for and is that thing helping you reach your goals? I tend toward sugar and mindless TV. Some might prefer video games or even work. What would happen in those situations if we would turn to God instead? Balance, clarity of thought, healing, health, resolution, etc.
“Our human cravings and desires are like rivers that tend to overflow their banks; fasting helps keep them in their proper channels…. This is not excessive asceticism; it is discipline and discipline brings freedom.” (Pg 56)
Foster shares a few inspiring journal entries from Elizabeth O’Connor’s ‘Search for Silence’. The first entry talked about how proud she was to have completed one full day of fasting. Stating in a later entry that “the above was hardly the goal of fasting.” The last entry said “I now know that prayer and fasting must be intricately bound together. There is no other way, and yet that way is not yet combined in me.” (Pg 58). There is always more to be discovered in our spiritual journey!
Fasting can “Cultivate a ‘gentle receptiveness to divine breathings.’” (Pg 57) This discipline helps us become more aware of God’s leading in our lives. As you consider fasting, think about ways you will be more open to receive these ‘divine breathings.’
Start with prayer
If you’re feeling nudged to give fasting a try, I encourage you to spend time in prayer and find what works for you. A few ways to start are 1 day/week for a decided amount of time, 1 meal/day for a week, 3 days/month, or a Daniel Fast. Spending time in prayer asking God for guidance will help you make the decision on where to start. The what/how of the fast is not as important as the commitment and intention of seeking God.
If you have health conditions, be sure to speak to your doctor before fasting. If you choose to do fast with children, choose something other than food and be intentional about the time you’ve chosen together. The goal is to teach them how to fast and seek God.
Find a great devotional book (Here’s one idea from Parasource: Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids) to discuss or read through a book of the Bible, a Psalm, or a single story together during the time you would be watching that family favorite show together.
We would love to hear from you, comment below on your journey!