Fasting: This is The Kind of Fasting The Lord Has Chosen

Fasting is a word many Christians think about, especially in January, the start of the new year. We desire to deny the flesh and, if we’re honest, lose some of the weight we gained through holiday overindulgence .

But what if I told you that fasting from food is good, but not the best kind in God’s eyes.

Yes, fasting from food helps us discipline the flesh and reign in our appetite. However, once the fast is over, the cookies, chocolate and snacks are still there calling our name. Many of us quickly return to old habits especially in today’s society where food is everywhere. Gas stations, hardware store check out lines, and even pharmacies sell junk food and alcohol as if it is completely normal. It’s far more difficult to avoid temptation now, than in prior decades when food was generally eaten only at meal times.

Fasting God’s Way: Isaiah 58

Isaiah chapter 58 is filled with wisdom about the type of fasting the Lord has chosen. Amazingly, it does not focus on refraining from food at all. Instead, God emphasizes helping others and “fasting” from selfishness, rather than simply denying our appetite.

Verse 6 reveals the heart of God’s chosen fast (italics reflect my expanded meaning):

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice (actively helping those treated unjustly)
and untie the cords of the yoke, (supporting those in hardship)
to set the oppressed free (caring for the vulnerable)
and break every yoke? (fully letting go of all bondage to sin)

Fasting Marching Orders: Isaiah 58:7-13

God goes on to reveal clear instructions for how we are to live out this fast:

• Share food with the hungry
• Clothe the naked
• Provide shelter for those in need
• Care for our family and refuse to turn away from them
• Be ready to serve with compassion

When we live this way, the Lord promises astonishing results. Scripture says we will experience healing, protection, guidance, and the favor of God. These promises almost sound too good to be true- but God doesn’t stop there.

The Rewards of True Fasting

Isaiah 58 continues with more incredible promises:

• When we call on the Lord, He will answer
• When we stop gossiping and pointing out others’ sins
• When we replace judgment with compassion
• When we meet both the spiritual and emotional needs of the oppressed

Our lives will shine brightly, inspiring others. Despair turns into joy and confusion gives way to a direct path for our life. We experience blessing, purpose and favor.

Fasting Pleasure

God also addresses fasting from pleasure as the means by which we honor the Sabbath. This is not a legalistic necessity, but a heart posture. When we choose to set the day apart to enjoy all that God has given us, as well as to enjoy God Himself through extended Bible study and prayer, Scripture says we will:

• Find joy in the Lord
• Rise above our problems
• Receive the inheritance of Jacob

The Inheritance of Jacob

The inheritance of Jacob refers to the blessings promised to those who fully surrender their lives to God. Originally described in Genesis as land and prosperity, these blessings are extended in the New Covenant. Through Christ, believers now have access to every (general) promise God has given His people. Anything the Lord has done for another is available to us if we believe and live according to His plan.

Scripture tells us we may participate in these blessings- meaning not everyone does. Participation requires intentionality. We must dig into Scripture, adopt a heart posture of obedience and rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live like Christ. Then when we find a promised blessing that pertains to our life, we must intentionally pray day and night until it reveals itself.

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”(2 Peter 1:4)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jer 29:11)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! “(Eph 3:20)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 4:19)

Our Participation In God’s Plan Matters

We must actively participate in what the Bible teaches. Simply praying, “Lord, your Will be done.” is not enough. God’s will has already been accomplished. He sent Jesus, and through Jesus, the blessings of the Garden of Eden were restored.

Now it’s up to us to deny Satan access to our life, live like Jesus taught and thus enjoy the bountiful provision of our Father. It begins with agreement and is fulfilled through obedience.

When we live according to God’s Word, we are declaring that we believe it enough to obey it. And if we believe it enough to obey it, we will also believe it when it says we are healed, prosperous and empowered to overcome all the tactics of the enemy!

Hallelujah!

Food For Thought,

Lisa