Welcome! In our journey of faith, it is essential to focus on spiritual disciplines that will help us grow in our relationship with God. This year, we are intentionally looking at practices that go beyond mere habits and rituals, but rather sacred rhythms that create space for God to work miraculously in our lives.
Fasting
Written by Melissa Smith
What exactly is fasting?
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from eating and sometimes drinking for a specific period. While it has gained popularity in recent years it has been practiced for centuries for various reasons, including religious, spiritual, and health-related purposes. While some may view fasting as deprivation, it offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind.
One of the benefits of fasting is its impact on weight loss. By reducing calorie intake and enhancing the body’s fat-burning capabilities, fasting can help individuals achieve their desired weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. This can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Moreover, fasting is known to improve metabolic health. It enhances insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, intermittent fasting may lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Beyond physical benefits, fasting can also have positive effects on mental clarity and focus. Many people report improved concentration and brain function during fasting periods, likely due to increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron growth and cognitive function.
Furthermore, fasting encourages mindfulness and discipline, as it requires individuals to be more conscious of their eating habits. This practice can foster a healthier relationship with food, promoting better choices in the long run. Overall, fasting presents a holistic approach to enhancing health and well-being.
Benefits of Fasting
1. Improve blood sugar control
2. Fights inflammation
3. Improves heart health
4. Boosts brain function
5. Aids weight loss
6. Naturally increase HGH levels
7. May increase longevity
8. May aid in cancer prevention and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy
Biblical Fasting
Biblical fasting is a spiritual practice found throughout the Bible, with examples in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Bible, fasting is often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God’s favor. For example, in the book of Esther, Queen Esther calls for a fast before approaching the kind on behalf of her people, seeking divine intervention in a time of crisis. Additionally, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, setting an example for His followers.
One of the key aspects of biblical fasting is the emphasis on spiritual discipline rather than the physical act itself. It is not merely about abstaining from food or drink but about drawing near to God with a sincere heart. Fasting is meant to deepen one’s relationship with God, heighten spiritual sensitivity, and cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence.
Scholars suggest that biblical fasting serves as a powerful tool to strengthen one’s faith, discipline the body, and align one’s will with God’s. It is a way to set aside worldly distractions and focus on seeking God’s will and direction. Through fasting, believers can experience spiritual breakthroughs, receive divine guidance, and grow in intimacy with their Creator.
Biblical fasting is a profound spiritual discipline that has been practiced by believers for centuries. It is a means of seeking God’s presence, guidance, and intervention in times of need. By engaging in fasting with a sincere heart and a desire to draw closer to God, believers can experience spiritual growth, deepen their faith, and encounter the transformative power of God in their lives.
May approach the subject of fasting with the proper mindset as we study it, looking not for what we can get but for what we can offer—our undivided focus and devotion to God.
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I pray that you will continue to be conscious of God’s presence throughout the month as you journal His Word and that you will sense His presence in every area of your life.
You can download a copy of the monthly Journaling Scripture Plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SD-Fasting.pdf
References:
- Life Application Study Bible: King James Version. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2004. Print
- Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714. (1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : wherein each chapter is summed up in its contents: the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs; each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations. Peabody, Mass. :Hendrickson Publishers
- https://enduringword.com/#commentary
- Meditate Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
- Mattson, M. P., & Wan, R. (2005). Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 16(3), 129-137.
- Longo, V. D., & Mattson, M. P. (2014). Fasting: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Cell Metabolism, 19(2), 181-192.
- Patterson, R. E., & Sears, D. D. (2017). Metabolic effects of intermittent fasting. Annual Review of Nutrition, 37, 371-393.
- https://fasting.com/
- https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/biblical-fasting.html
- https://www.elijahnotes.com/bible-verses-about-fasting/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits#inflammation
- Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. HarperOne, 1998.
- Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. NavPress, 2014
- Bright, Fasting: The Private Discipline That Brings Public Reward. NavPress, 1997.
