“Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Although most fasts are related to refraining from eating and/or drinking. There are other fasts that relate to certain kinds of foods for certain lengths of time. Typically, a fast is not the same as a diet. A diet is a change eating patterns for a time or for goals to lose weight, control diabetes or allergies. A fast is for the purpose of an individual’s or group’s desire for spiritual discipline.
The Bible speaks on all topics. Paul gives instructions for married couples to refrain from sexual relationships for the purpose of devotion to prayer. This is not in the Old Testament, but rather for church people. The importance is for prayer, or for seeking God’s will, or for self control.
Let me ask, “How is your prayer life? How often do you skip devotions because you do not have time? How often have you skipped a meal because you just do not have the time?
In Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'". More important than food for Jesus was time to spend with God, His Father, delighting in His will and Word. How can we better hear the words of God as opposed to the words from the world. I typically spend a half hour each day watching the news. I listen to the weather and watch what happened in the sports world. I can give you an update on politics. There are specials on some positive things that comes through the TV screen. There are shows to entertain us, but the spiritual need of our hearts is neglected unless we turn on a Christian station.
A fast is to break away from normal activity to be in the presence of God, the reading of His word, and meditation. It would be great to call a fast from TV watching, the computer, and video games. A fast might be from shopping or cell phone use. As outside activities take more of our discretionary time, we realize we do not have time for prayer or devotions.
I go on retreats to get away from the work and home to experience God in a different setting. It becomes important to set priorities, goals, and just be in the presence of God. As we know, we always are, but He does not always have our attention.
Jesus instructed the disciples involved with spiritual conflict with demon possession that it is a battle than needs prayer and fasting. In reading a book by Dr. Koch on demonology and the work of Satan, he fears most American do not know the first thing of serious prayer. We don’t yearn to be with God and consistently uplift the spiritual warriors before the throne of God. We don’t fast and pray and do not recognize the seriousness of the spiritual battle as they do in other countries. Dr. Koch pointed out the extreme importance of preparing ourselves spiritually by not eating and praying at length to totally be motivated by God’s desires and not our own.
Application: Perhaps there is an activity that you will refrain from and use that time to get better acquainted with God and His truth.
Prayer: Lord, I hunger and thirst for a closeness to You. Prod me into a fast that finds its rest in prayer and Your Holy Word.
