Sabbath Sunday // Reflection
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline.
The word fast in the Bible is from the Hebrew word sum, meaning "to cover" the mouth, or from the Greek word nesteuo, meaning "to abstain." For spiritual purposes, it means to go without.
So as we fast we are voluntarily abstaining from eating or drinking or giving up some of the things we’ve made as necessities (coffee, Social Media, TV, etc) and by doing this we are denying ourselves of some of the basics – our desire as we fast is that we begin to turn to God first for the basics.
One of the things it’s important to understand is that our focus in fasting isn’t to lose weight, it’s not to ‘tell people we are fasting’, we want fast so that we can draw closer to God. So try not to confuse your fasting goals with the MOST foundational reason which is to meet with God, to hear God’s voice, to slow down our lives to finally hear what God has been trying to tell us for a long time – this is the biggest blessing of your fasting experience!
Biblically, fasting is mentioned in both the Old and New Testament.
In the Old Testament it was often a way of expressing grief or a means of humbling one's self before the Lord. In Psalm 35:13, David humbled himself with fasting.
In the New Testament it was a means to grow closer to God through mediating and focusing on Him.
In Matthew 4:1-2, Jesus went to the wilderness to fast for 40 days.
Throughout the New Testament fasting and prayer are often mentioned together. In Acts 13:3, ‘they had fasted and prayed.’ In Luke 2:37 a widow worshiped day and night fasting and praying.”
Following the example of Jesus and the Early Church believers, we, too can draw near to God while fasting.
Other common fasts:
Media - Shut off tv, radio, social media, cell phone, movies, etc.
Full Fast -Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast - Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-Day Fast - This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast - A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advise I can give you is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting? To seek something personally from God's hand or to seek His face in worship, praise and thanksgiving?