Latest Devotion
Fasting
By: Jenny Hinners
Thursday, May 14, 2026
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting is still important for Christ followers, and in God's Word, Jesus mentions how important it is multiple times. In scripture, fasting is abstaining from food for a spiritual reason. But fasting isn't dieting! When we fast, we are humbling ourselves before God as we communicate with Him in prayer (Ezra 8:21). The idea behind fasting is to remove something (usually food) and use the physical hunger from our fasting to spark a greater hunger for God.
In modern times, some people choose to fast from a "non-food" item. But when they do, the idea behind their fast is the same. To give something up to help them refocus their thoughts on God. Fasting is a tangible reminder of our dependence on God, and it will help us earnestly bring our concerns to Him in our prayers.
Biblical reasons to fast:
1. To Petition God – To make our voices “heard on high” (Ezra 8:23).
2. To Repent – (Joel 2:12; 1 Samuel 7:6)
3. To set oppressed people free – (Isaiah 58:6)
4. For Wisdom and Guidance – (Judges 20:25-28; Acts 14:23).
5. To hear God's voice – Fasting clears our minds, allowing us to hear the Holy Spirit better (Acts 13:2).
We can also find some general fasting "guidelines" in God's Word: In our opening verses (Matthew 6:17-18) Jesus says we should always fast in secret, not making it obvious to others. But if we have an underlying medical condition, we may need to tell someone we're fasting for medical or practical reasons, which would still honor Jesus' instructions. But remember, fasting can never be a replacement for our obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).
For further guidance on how and what to fast, ask God. He may prompt you to abstain from food, or He may tell you to abstain from something else. But no matter how He instructs you to fast, do it without drawing attention to yourself!