Fasting
I’ve recently been thinking about what fasting is really about. I don’t think I’ve had all that much in the way of good teaching on this topic. Most of my current understanding of fasting is from John Piper’s excellent book A Hunger for God.
Most religions see fasting and other similar disciplines as ways of showing God something. “Look at how much I’m willing to suffer, put aside, etc., for You.” In fact, some religions look at suffering itself as a method of showing devotion to God.
But what about Christian fasting? I do think there is a component to it that is a cry of “I need you this much, O Lord!” But I don’t think Christian fasting is about twisting God’s arm or bribing Him into doing something. I think primarily, fasting is about a deeper understanding of our true dependence on God in our day to day lives.
So in terms of practical issues, what should be allowed on a fast? My thinking is that you can go on various types of fasts. Depending on what the goal of the fast is, different kinds of foods may be omitted. Most things called a “fast” usually entail omitting food, period. But most people I know who practice fasting will allow beverages other than water (juices mostly). From what I’ve read, common types of fasts would be
- nothing taken in (no water or other beverages, no food)
- “water fast” (the only thing taken in is water)
- “juice fast” (fruit and vegetable juices are allowed)
- “vegetarian fast” (not eating meat for a time)
- a fast from a particular food or beverage group (usually something being craved a bit too much)
I think there isn’t a lot of point in being legalistic about fasting. The whole point is whether or not the fast is helping you accomplish the goal of the fast (greater intimacy with God, greater focus on a prayer issue, etc.). It isn’t so much about what you’re eating or not eating.
All of the fasting I’ve done in the past and most of the fasting that I know of by personal friends is in the “juice fast” category. When fasting, I’ll usually take vitamins and drink Gatorade as well as fruit and vegetable juices and sometimes vegetable broths. The fasting I’m familiar with isn’t about cutting off all caloric intake, but rather about denying something intensely craved.
I remember a longer fast I was on around a year ago. I indulged in a latte every morning before work. In retrospect, I wonder if that was a good practice on a fast. Does it make sense to have “comfort food” kinds of beverages while on a fast? I guess that would again depend on the purpose of the fast in the first place.
There are health reasons to avoid certain things while fasting, of course. Milk is usually to be avoided because the fat tends to start up the hunger cycle in your stomach again. Also, caffeine has a greater affect on the body when you’re not eating.
It makes sense that the discipline of fasting isn’t talked about much in the western church. We are a church of abundance. God has blessed the west in a very wonderful way. But that can also make people apathetic about denying themselves for the betterment of their souls. I think we in the western church need to do more fasting as a means of God’s grace to the church. And of course, that should start with me.
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I enjoyed your thoughts on fasting, as I have recently tried fasting for the first time – I say that not to boast, except that it did bring me to a better understand of the grace of our Lord Jesus.
I was told my 1st fast shouldn’t be longer than a few days, so I only consumed water & gatorade for 3 days. Amazingly, it wasnt difficult, but I’ve always been a healthy & sporting lad – Praise the Lord for everything – yet my DESIRE to eat was tugging at me the whole way. When I thought, “NO. I’m doing this to be closer to God” the hunger was suppressed and became minimal and bearable. I believe a good fast takes 4 P’s (which I just thought up now): prayer, preparation, patience & privacy.
I’m usually a snacker throughout the day, so it was odd to have a lot more time available. I tried to train myself to use it in prayer. What an amazing gift is prayer! If you recall Isaiah. 65:24 (ESV) , “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” I take that as God sends the answer to our prayers on it’s way even before we have the thought to pray it. “It’s in the tube” if you will
On some bus stop waiting stations I’ve seen it posted “Pray today for a better tomorrow” – what precious advice you learn it is when you follow it.
I didn’t have to prepare much because I live alone and I’m healthy, but you can understand for those who have a medical condition like diabetes that fasting on only water or juices would be detrimental to their health. Very nice point you accentuated on not “being legalistic about fasting”. Focus on the goal: finding your way closer to God. A secondary benfit of fasting is being able to experience the temptations and know you can pass them – and others yet to come. I’ve come to view all experiences, good and bad, like spiritual workout sessions; I’m strengthened in following God’s holy word, even while I fail. I can only thank God for the strength with which I’ve been blessed.
While I’ve always had food all over the house (pantries, cupboards, fridges, countertops), it seemed to be everywhere I turned. My patience was tested. It was all right there within arm’s reach. I made no motion to hide anything from sight; I’d still know where it was! When I felt desirous for food, I remembered why I started this fast : to focus on God. It overrides everything and I feel blessed for having been blesed with the ability to go through these tests.
Privacy came to me lastly but I think it’s very important to keep your fast only between you & God, though it’s difficult and weird to try to keep something from the people you live with. I felt the need to cut myself from most social interaction so I could pray more, dive into bible reading and not be tempted to discuss fasting with anyone, lest I blurp out that I’m fasting. I didn’t want to be like the Pharisees, who painted their faces & hung out on street corners to let their “suffering” and “devoutness” be publicly flaunted.
I didn’t have any hallucinations, though the light-headedness sometimes occurred, but it was slight. I prepared mentally only for a couple days previous and I was surprised: my hunger pangs weren’t even close to what I expected and I wonder if they would have been greater, as well as if it would have been a better experience if I had only consumed water, so I’ll plan to do that the next time.
Excellent journal entries you have here. I’ll be sure to add you to my favorites & check back for some more good Jesus-pointing musings. It is SO refreshing to find your blog.