Written by Stephanie C. Hodges, Health & Wellness Coach
Stephanie Hodges is an experienced Health and Wellness coach with 20-plus years in the fitness and wellness industry. She has a Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Science and is certified by Duke Health & Well-being as a coach. When she’s not coaching her diverse clientele (or writing about wellness, lifestyle, and digital marketing) Stephanie can be found reading, exercising,
Have you ever felt the tug to pause (or escape) the daily grind, tune out the noise, and seek a deeper connection with God? Christian fasting is a vibrant, living practice that can bring clarity and focus while rejuvenating our spirit, soul, and body.
Over the years, I've been fascinated by the history and biblical foundation of fasting and the science and modern research on its health benefits. In addition, I've spent years practicing fasting solo and in the community. Fasting has been a long-standing tradition in most major religious traditions, and my personal experience, which I elaborate on in this article, is specifically related to Christian fasting.
Whether seeking clarity, breakthrough, or a regular discipline to calibrate your holistic health, fasting can be the key to unlocking profound insight and growth. Read on for the benefits of Christian fasting and how to get started in your practice.
Defining spiritual fasting for Christians
Fasting is purposefully abstaining from food for a set period of time. This is the simplest definition, but it could apply to many fasting formats, so clarifying the motivation is necessary. With spiritual fasting, the purpose isn't physical health or weight loss—although these may be byproducts.
Christian fasting is primarily about drawing closer to God, hearing His voice, and renewing the spirit. It is a heartfelt surrender, a purposeful sacrifice that clears space in our cluttered hearts for more of God.
In the Bible, fasting is always more than a dietary exercise; it's coupled with prayer and devoted times of seeking the Lord. Although we pray and develop our relationship with the Lord weekly and daily, fasting focuses our efforts in a more concentrated and intentional manner. It is an act of faith demonstrating our hunger for divine presence and sustenance over earthly, temporary satisfaction.
Physical benefits of fasting
If you search for fasting information and benefits, your search engine will likely pull up physical health benefits first. Research studies have provided numerous reported connections between fasting and health.
A few of these would indicate that fasting
Improves Metabolic Health: Fasting can enhance hormone function, facilitating weight loss and improving metabolism.
Promotes Brain Health: It could increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and may aid the growth of new nerve cells. It might also protect against Alzheimer's disease.
Boosts Immune System: May help regenerate immune cells, boosting overall immune function.
Increases Longevity: Studies in rats show that fasting can extend lifespan, possibly due to its effects on metabolic health.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: This can decrease insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels, and protect against type 2 diabetes.
Aids in Cellular Repair: Fasting triggers autophagy, which removes damaged cells and contributes to cellular repair.
Reduces Inflammation: May reduce markers of inflammation, potentially improving overall health and preventing chronic diseases.
That's quite the list! Given the current evidence, we have all the more reason to encourage people to pursue fasting as a regular discipline.
The physical benefits and mechanisms activated in the body during fasting may partly explain the mental clarity and improved energy that so many people report. These effects can lead to clarified thinking and breakthroughs. Still, spiritual fasting goes beyond the physical to engage the spiritual.
Spiritual benefits of Christian fasting
According to the Christian faith tradition and testimonies from past and present fasters, there are multiple reasons for fasting. Here are some of the spiritual factors that explain why Christians fast.
Following the teaching of the Bible
The Bible contains many stories of fasting, from the Old to the New Testament. Esther, Daniel, the apostles, and Jesus Himself fasted, among many others. Many Christians are convinced to fast simply because of the precedent laid out in Scripture and what Jesus said on the subject.
Enhanced prayer
Imagine clearing away the noise and clutter that keeps you from hearing God's whisper. Fasting clears the decks. It simplifies the loud modern life to amplify God's voice. In those quiet moments, free from the usual distractions, you might find your prayers deepen, and your connection to the Lord is more vibrant.
Increased sensitivity and discernment
There's something about denying your physical cravings that sharpens your spiritual senses. As your body quiets, your spirit can become more attuned to God's guidance and the Holy Spirit's movement in your life.
Renewed focus on God
Fasting is essentially about focus—shifting our gaze from the temporal to the eternal. It's a time to reset our priorities, evaluate our path, and re-align our lives with God's purposes.
When and how should you fast?
When it comes to all the questions about when and how to fast, the common thread is this: pray and seek the Lord for direction about how you fast, what you fast from, when you fast, and how long.
Although processes can provide helpful guidelines, fasting shouldn't become a rote routine, and we should be careful about following someone else's prescription.
In the Bible, Isaiah chapter 58 chastises those fasting with the wrong motives and talks about the fast the Lord has chosen. Verse six says the fast He has chosen is "to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke."
Let's talk about how to define when and how you fast
Read the Bible
For Christians, the Bible is the primary resource for fasting. Here are over 52 verses on fasting in the Bible. This will give you a baseline and firm foundation for fasting, and the Lord may speak to you specifically through these passages.
Set clear intentions
Ask yourself, 'What am I seeking through this fast?' 'What is the purpose?' 'What are my primary prayers?' Clarity of purpose anchors your fast in expectation.
Choose the type of fast
Whether it's a complete fast, skipping one meal a day, or abstaining from certain types of food, like in a Daniel fast, select a fasting method that challenges and stretches you. Specific populations, like children and pregnant women, shouldn't fast, and those with medical conditions must check with their doctor before fasting. Read about the common types of fasts here.
Preparing spiritually and physically
Prepare your heart through prayer, worship, and time in God's Word. Prepare your body by gradually decreasing meal sizes and restricting foods you'll be fasting from. Equip yourself with Scripture, uplifting prayers, and inspirational readings to feed your soul during this time.
Key takeaways for Christian fasting
When you fast, you intentionally posture yourself in humility and surrender. It teaches us to become less self-reliant and more God-dependent. Although that can be uncomfortable, we learn so much and gain peace in the process.
Your temporary deprivations and deficits will be filled with supernatural nourishment.
But what if you fast and it doesn't turn out as expected? What if you feel terrible or don't receive a breakthrough or answer to prayer? I would encourage these foundational fasting tips:
Lean on God to sustain you. It's not about having iron-clad willpower; it's about relying on His power. Feed yourself with God's Word and time in His presence.
Let God lead you. Be willing to surrender your expectations and agenda for fasting and let the Lord guide you in the process.
Focus on learning and practice, not perfect performance. As you fast regularly, you may fast for different lengths of time and in various ways.
Care for your body. Adjust to fasting gradually; it can shock your physical system. Remember that you are a body, soul, and spirit; all parts need tending. You're not trying to overpower or fight against your body, but steward your health.
To learn more about Christian fasting and other spiritual disciplines, visit the Daniel Fast Journey website or listen to the Wholly Well Journey podcast.
Conclusion: Embracing the power of spiritual fasting
Remember that fasting is less about what you abstain from and more about what you move towards and fill yourself with. In the process, fasting helps you learn more about God and yourself.
A deeper intimacy with God, clarity for your journey, and perhaps even answers you've been searching for are the true fruits of a spiritual fast. The temporary discomfort is well worth the ultimate outcome.
Fasting isn't just a spiritual discipline; it's a divine invitation to experience God on a new level. Why not accept the invitation?
Stephanie C. Hodges, Health & Wellness Coach
Stephanie Hodges is an experienced Health and Wellness coach with 20-plus years in the fitness and wellness industry. She has a Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Science and is certified by Duke Health & Well-being as a coach. When she’s not coaching her diverse clientele (or writing about wellness, lifestyle, and digital marketing) Stephanie can be found reading, exercising, and spending quality time with her husband and three kids outside of Austin, Texas. Stephanie is passionate about holistic health and effectively implementing healthy eating, wellness habits, and mindfulness practices as integral pieces of the well-being puzzle.
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