What is Fasting?

by Dr. Richard Fisher

In Psalm 35:13 we read, “I humbled my soul with fasting.” And in Acts 14:23, we read that “with prayer and fasting, the church committed their appointed leaders to the Lord.” What is this thing called fasting and why is it used so much in the Bible.

This English word — fast — means “fixed, firmly secure.” It was used to describe a close friendship, or a door that was fastened and locked, or a commitment that one held fast to, or the passion one holds for something. The Hebrew term for fasting is “zoom.” (I couldn’t resist). The word eventually came to be used to describe the outward religious rituals that symbolize a humble heart imploring God for his help in time of need. The main ritual involved denying oneself of food for a designated period of time because one was focusing fully on God, asking for his forgiveness and help. Usually the one fasting put on sackcloth and ashes, while mourning and crying aloud to show their humility, the depth of the need, and true piety before God.

The command to fast is only found once in the Old Testament Law, where it talks about The Day of Atonement, when Israel prepared to meet God by confessing their sins to God and asking for His forgiveness. In Leviticus 23:27 the words for fasting are “deny yourselves,” often translated “humble your souls” before God. The Day of Atonement Fast reflected a change of passion in the heart of the one fasting. The passion about being right with God drove out all other passions that vied for the commitment of one’s soul.

Fasting appears in all parts of the Bible . . . whenever we long for God’s wisdom, power and presence; whenever we are desperate for him to act or respond on our behalf. It is a heartfelt display of emotion, contrition, commitment to, and passion for following God and his leadership.

The fast involved the attitude of humility and acts of contrition as one seriously “prepared to meet God” (Amos 4:12). The story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:22–32 illustrates the passion, humility, and commitment we must feel as we come face to face with God. Jacob refused to let go of God until God revealed Himself (His Name) to him. God decided to bless Jacob. Fasting is wrestling spiritually with (or holding fast to) God . . . in my pain and crisis . . . because his wisdom and presence with me is more important than anything else in the world.

Fasting was meant to be a sincere call upon God. People did not eat, because it was more important to talk to God about helping in the time of need, and about how we can conform to God’s heart, than to worry about physical sustenance. But what fasting became was something else. It became a personal production (like in a theater) on the outward display of humility and contrition. Hence the use of sackcloth and ashes, (very humble) accompanied by mourning and crying aloud (very sincere and needy). As you can imagine, one could easily fake it and hence abuse the fast. The Israelites actually did just that. The fast became a performance, where people paraded their “unworthiness” in a haughty, showy way, rather than a humble, passionate appeal to God.

Isaiah 58 and Micah 6:6–8 deal with the hypocritical fast. And in so doing define what fasting is all about to God; and what relational principles guide its expression.

• A true fast will not take place unless (1) you believe in God, (2) you want to please God and (3) you desperately need him — “…because anyone who comes to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (See also Hebrews 11:6.)
• A true fast aligns your heart with the heart of God . . . on a daily basis (58:5). Psalm 139 calls for routine appointments with God for cleansing &renewal.
• A true fast develops a passion for the lost and marginalized, seeking to save people and lead them to true life in Jesus — standing for justice; securing freedom; caring for the poor and the traveler; helping your family (58:6–7). If those who fast do not love and honor people, their fasts are worthless and empty. God will not heed their words.
• A true fast approaches (seeks) God with humility — confessing your sins, conforming to his will, and experiencing revival. Micah 6:8 summarizes the character of those who truly prepare their lives to call upon God with sincerity and humility.

The essence of Fasting is: meeting with God, humility, confession, conformity and renewal. Fasting occurs when a passion for God drives out the passions of this world.

As you begin your fast, read Psalm 139: 23–24 and commit your time to interacting with God. Begin to invite God into your life on a daily basis. Be intentional about it. Whenever you face hard decisions, ask God to wrestle over the problem with you. And remember, don’t let go of God, hold fast.