Did you know that the majority of Christian do not fast. Let us look at what Jesus said about fasting in the book of Matthew 6:16.
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Jesus emphasizes the practice of fasting, not as an optional act, but as an expected part of our faith journey. He says, ‘Moreover, when you fast,’ signifying its significance. Fasting, like prayer, is intended to be a personal communion between us and God, not a display for others to see. It can be observed individually or collectively, whether in a small group, a church, or even a nation.
Now Jesus didn’t tell us when is a good time or how long we should fast, but to better understand the ‘when or how long,’ let’s delve into Scripture, examining examples of fasting, its purposes, and durations.”
• Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai before facing God and receiving the Ten Commandments from God (Exodus 34:28).
Reason: Receiving the Commandments
• David fasted for at least 7 days after sinning with Bathsheba, in hopes that God might be merciful to their sick child (2 Samuel 12:16-23).
• Reason: David also fasted after the death of King Saul and Jonathan length of time is not given. (2 Samuel 1:12).
Mourning and Repentance
• Queen Esther asked the Jews to fast for her for three nights and three days when she was planning to approach the King of Persia unsummoned, risking her life to save her people
from a death decree (Esther 4:16).
Reason: Seeking God’s Protection
• After his victory over the prophets of Baal and his subsequent flight from Jezebel, Elijah was sustained by a miraculous meal and then fasted for 40 days and 40 nights as he
journeyed to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).
Reason:Divine Empowerment and Protection
• When the prophet Jonah warned the city of Nineveh of coming judgment, the king decreed a fast for 3 days for both man and beast. This was a sign of their collective repentance (Jonah 3:5-9).
Reason: Repentance
Even though there are more examples they all are similar. So, what do all these examples have in common? Each person was grappling with anxiety or stress caused by the uncertainties in their lives. Faced with situations of unknown outcomes can cause major stress on the body.
So, when should we fast? Whenever we are in a situation where there is uncertainty in our life. Such as job loss, a loved one’s illness or our own, a crumbling marriage, or even seeking an answer to a situation, these are precisely the moments when fasting becomes relevant.
Fasting serves as a dedicated time during life’s uncertainties when we beseech God for intervention. It is akin to requesting a personal favor in dire circumstances. By fasting, we demonstrate our commitment to God, offering the sacrifice of food, our source of energy, and relying solely on Him for our needs, with the hope that He will intercede on our behalf with His blessings. It is a potent tool in times of desperation.
“Whenever we go through chronic stress or anxiety it can have detrimental effects on overall health. Prolonged activation of the stress response system can lead to issues such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, weakened immune function, and mental health disorders like anxiety disorders or depression.
However, when we fast something amazing happens. When we reach about the fourteenth hour our body reaches a stage called Autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular process in which the body breaks down and recycles damaged or dysfunctional cellular components. The term “autophagy” comes from the Greek words for “self” and “eating,” essentially meaning “self-eating.” It is a crucial process for maintaining cell health, adapting to starvation, and ensuring proper cellular function.
Autophagy’s effects on anxiety and its related physiological symptoms:
Neuroprotection: There’s evidence to suggest that autophagy may offer neuroprotective benefits. This means it could help protect neurons (nerve cells) from damage or death.
Stress Response: Autophagy is activated in response to various types of cellular stress, including nutrient deprivation.
General Health: Encouraging autophagy through means like intermittent fasting or exercise can have various health benefits. These benefits could indirectly contribute to better mental health and resilience against stress. For example, regular exercise is known to reduce anxiety symptoms, and one of its mechanisms might be through promoting autophagy.
So, how long should we fast? Well, that depends on the level of desperation you’re experiencing. Personally, I have undertaken fasts lasting 24, 48, and 72 hours. However, during my last 72-hour fast, I developed a severe migraine after the second day due to the lack of food and medicine was not helping, so I ended it about 5 hours short of the intended duration. If you have never fasted, I recommend starting with a one day fast.
I also recommend using God’s Day calendar when fasting. Although we have been accustomed to the notion that a new day begins at midnight, this is not consistent with the Bible. In biblical, a new day commences at sunset. This is evident in the book of Genesis as God created each day, with the phrase “And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Therefore, when the sun sets, that marks the beginning of a fast. If you’re observing a one-day fast, you can break it and eat as soon as the sun sets the following day.
Now that you know when and how to fast, there are two important factors that you must consider when you are going to fast.
1. You must be obedient to God in other areas of your life.
Samuel 15:22 (NIV)
But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
In the book of Isaiah, the Jews were fasting and subjecting their bodies to starvation, yet they couldn’t comprehend why God was not responding. The underlying reason was their disobedience to God’s will.
2. We should also approach fasting with the understanding that we may not necessarily receive the specific answer we desire. Remember, David’s sick child did not recover and died. However, we must approach fasting with an understanding that we will be content with that outcome. Recall the courageous words of Queen Esther (after whom I named my daughter’s middle name), “If I perish, then I perish.” Esther recognized that approaching the king without his invitation could lead to her execution. However, she also acknowledged that if it aligned with God’s will, she was prepared to accept that fate.
Remember, everything God calls or commands us to do is for our own benefit.