"And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth that is the only reward they will ever get.ˇBut when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.ˇThen no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.ˇ(Matthew 6:16-18)
One of the most important and yet one of the least understood, and least practiced disciplines is a spiritual fast. Notice that I am using the words, "spiritual fast" as there are many that practice a partial fast to detox or fast from selected foods for health benefits.
Jesus assumed we would fast. The Gospel of Mark records that Jesus was asked about his disciples and their apparent lack of spirituality compared to John the Baptist?s disciples or the Pharisees. He replied that there would be a time (when he was taken from them) that we would fast.ˇHe also gave the instruction in Matthew six above regarding the proper way to give, fast and pray ending with His giving us the Lord?s Prayer.
There are a great many reasons to fast. Personally, I think the best reason is to develop a spiritual discipline that places dedication to the things of God above the cares and comforts of the world.ˇAt the same time I?ve learned from experience that I?m not very good at a total fast of more than a day.
One of the interesting fasts that I?ve come to recommend is called the ?Daniel Fast?, so named for Daniels words during his time in exile with Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego: "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." (Daniel 10:2)
The Daniel Fast is primarily eating fruits and vegetables, legumes (primarily beans and peas) along with nuts.ˇPeople on the Daniel Fast typically fast for 21 days (Biblical example set by Daniel) and since there is no shortage of food, it?s relatively easy to fit in with the rest of society without anyone thinking that you are starving yourself.
During the fast, the objective would be to be especially attentive to the things of the Lord. Typically you can embrace an enhanced time of bible reading, prayer and even extended time of just being silent before God.
Join me; give it a try for 21 days starting the first of the year.ˇLet?s see what God may have to say to us.
