What is a fast? It is when we abstain from food or any other pleasure to draw upon God’s presence. We say no to ourselves to be more aware of and available to God. We quiet down the noise of our routine to hear His still, small voice.
Matthew 16:24 If anyone desires to come after Me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Me.
Matthew 6:16-18 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. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
We fast to echo John the Baptist, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30).
When we fast unto God, it purifies us and positions us to be filled with more of Him. Less darkness, more light.
It is also important to understand that we have a very real enemy and he hates the light. It is not at all uncommon to experience more flesh, temptation, frustration, and spiritual heaviness during a fast. This includes the kids going crazy and an increase in “intense fellowships” with your spouse. Remember, Jesus was only ministered to after His fast and fight with temptation (Matthew 4:11).
Some may ask, “Why fast if we have to go through all that?” How do you get olive oil from an olive? You crush it. Fasting is humbling ourselves before God and going through a crushing voluntarily so that our lives may flow with anointing and grace. Self-denial can be a messy process, but the result is a closer walk with the Lord, spiritual beauty, and eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Lord, I love You. Thank You for today. You are holy. Help me to keep my eyes on You during my storm. Keep me grounded in Your word and in Your love. Help me to walk in the spirit and not gratify the lusts of the flesh. Help me to have more grace for myself and for those around me. Help me to love and not get too hangry in Jesus’ name. Amen