Fasting, a practice deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, is often accompanied by a profound sense of devotion, sacrifice, and seeking of enlightenment. For many, turning to scriptures during periods of fasting can offer guidance, comfort, and a deeper connection to their faith. Here, we’ll explore seven fasting scriptures from various religious texts that highlight the significance, purpose, and benefits of fasting.
1. Matthew 4:4 (NIV) - “But he answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
This scripture from the Christian Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance. During his 40-day fast in the wilderness, Jesus affirms that while fasting, one’s focus should be on the word of God, signifying that spiritual strength is derived not just from food but from a deep connection with the divine.
2. Psalm 35:13 (NIV) - “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. I pleaded with the Lord for mercy, and I prayed, ‘O Lord, have mercy on me, heal me, for I have sinned against you!’”
In this Psalm, David expresses his method of seeking God’s mercy and healing, highlighting the use of fasting as a form of humility and a means to seek divine forgiveness. This scripture illustrates fasting as a proactive approach to spiritual and physical healing.
3. Joel 2:12 (NIV) - “Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Joel calls for a return to God, emphasizing that this return should be accompanied by actions that signify repentance and a sincere desire for change, including fasting. This scripture underscores the idea that fasting can be a powerful expression of devotion and a catalyst for spiritual renewal.
4. Ezra 8:21-23 (NIV) - “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, ‘The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.’ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
Ezra’s decision to fast demonstrates the reliance on God for protection and guidance, especially in times of uncertainty or danger. This passage shows fasting as a means to seek divine intervention and protection.
5. Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV) - “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Isaiah highlights a critical aspect of fasting, emphasizing that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about seeking justice, freeing the oppressed, and caring for the needy. This scripture adds a dimension of social responsibility to the practice of fasting.
6. Acts 13:2-3 (NIV) - “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
This passage from Acts demonstrates the role of fasting in discerning God’s will and in the commissioning of ministry. It shows how fasting can precede significant decisions or actions, as a means of seeking clarity and divine guidance.
7. Luke 4:1-2 (NIV) - “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”
Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, showcasing His reliance on the Holy Spirit and His resistance to temptation. This period of fasting prepared Jesus for His public ministry, demonstrating the preparatory role fasting can play in spiritual journeys.
These scriptures illustrate the multifaceted nature of fasting, from seeking divine guidance and healing, expressing repentance and humility, to preparing for significant life endeavors. Whether for spiritual growth, seeking protection, or as a form of social activism, fasting, as highlighted in these passages, remains a profound practice that can deepen one’s connection with the divine and the world around them.
What is the primary purpose of fasting according to the scriptures mentioned?
+The scriptures suggest that fasting serves multiple purposes, including seeking divine guidance, expressing humility and repentance, and preparing for significant spiritual endeavors or life decisions.
How does fasting relate to social responsibility as per Isaiah 58:6-7?
+Isaiah 58:6-7 indicates that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also involves loosening the chains of injustice, freeing the oppressed, sharing food with the hungry, and providing shelter to the poor. This adds a dimension of social justice and caring for the needy to the practice of fasting.
