The Spiritual Journey of Fasting: Drawing Closer to God

Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it’s a profound spiritual practice that helps individuals draw closer to God. In this blog post, we will explore the insights shared during a recent podcast discussion on the essence of fasting, its biblical significance, and personal reflections on how this discipline can strengthen our relationship with God. This blog is an overview of our recent bible study podcast.

The Biblical Foundation of Fasting: The podcast begins with the powerful notion that fasting is about holding on to God, reminiscent of Israel's declaration, "I'm not going to let you go until you bless me." This sentiment encapsulates the heart of fasting: a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual needs over physical desires. Eric and Juliette Smith emphasize that fasting involves self-denial, which is crucial for nurturing a deeper faith and recognizing our dependence on God. They point out that fasting is not limited to abstaining from food; it can also involve giving up worldly comforts such as media or shopping to redirect our focus to spiritual pursuits.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship: Eric elaborates on the idea that sacrifice has always been integral to worship, referencing biblical practices where God's people were instructed to offer sacrifices at the temple. Fasting exemplifies this act of worship, as it requires us to place our physical desires aside in order to seek God more earnestly. The conversation shifts to the importance of identifying what stands between us and God, as expressed by Yejide, highlighting that fasting is about clearing distractions from our spiritual lives.

The Personal Struggle of Fasting: Akila Karanja shares her personal experiences with fasting, illustrating the inner conflict that often arises during this spiritual discipline. She reflects on moments of frustration when fasting leads to excessive thoughts about food rather than a deeper connection with God. This sentiment is echoed by Eric, who acknowledges that fasting can either draw us closer to God or reveal our struggles with self-control. Both emphasize that fasting should not be a ritualistic act but rather a meaningful endeavor to connect with the divine.

Examining the Purpose of Fasting: The podcast raises an essential question: what is the true purpose of fasting? It is crucial to approach fasting with intention, as pointed out by Hyomara Homs Paschal. The biblical instances of fasting often involve abstaining from all food, aiming for a deeper spiritual connection. This raises an important discussion about the interpretation of the "Daniel fast" and whether such practices align with the biblical definition of fasting. Akila clarifies that Daniel’s choice was more about holding true to his beliefs than a traditional fast, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding fasting.

Conclusion: Fasting is a deeply personal and spiritual journey that requires intentionality and reflection. As discussed in the podcast, it is essential to examine our motivations and ensure that our fasting practices lead us closer to God rather than becoming mere rituals. Key takeaways include the significance of self-denial, the importance of sacrifice in worship, and the need for clarity in our fasting purpose. By embracing fasting as a meaningful practice, we can cultivate a richer relationship with God.

Tags: Fasting, Spiritual Discipline, Relationship with God, Biblical Fasting, Worship, Self-Denial, Faith, Personal Growth, Prayer, Spiritual Clarity