Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what’s the buzz about fasting? The Lenten season is here and fasting takes centre stage in conversations. It’s the talk of the town during these days of reflection and spiritual dedication. Lent provides a 40-day period for fasting and prayer (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

Fasting might sound like a complicated idea, but let’s break it down in simple terms and see how this ancient practice can be relevant and meaningful for you today.

Understanding Biblical Fasting

What exactly is fasting? Well, it’s not about giving up your favourite snacks or skipping meals for the sake of a diet. In the Bible, fasting is a spiritual discipline where people would voluntarily abstain from certain foods or activities for a specific period. It’s not just about going without; it’s about seeking a deeper connection with God through prayer and meditation.

Examples from the Bible

If you’re curious about how people in the Bible practiced fasting, let’s take a look at a couple of examples. Remember the story of Jesus spending 40 days and nights in the desert (Matthew 4 v 1-11)? That’s a form of fasting! Another example is found in the book of Daniel 10 v 2-3, where he chose to eat only vegetables and drink water for a set period, the Ninevah fast (Jonah 3 v 5-9) and Esther’s fast (Esther 4).

Benefits of Fasting

Why would anyone willingly give up food or certain activities? Well, there are a few reasons. Fasting allows you to:

Draw Closer to God: By setting aside time for prayer and reflection, fasting helps strengthen your spiritual connection with God.
Develop Self-Discipline: Fasting requires self-control and discipline. It’s a great way to practice saying ‘no’ to immediate desires for a greater purpose.
Seek Guidance: In times of confusion or decision-making, fasting can be a way to seek God’s guidance and wisdom.
Express Repentance: Fasting can also be a way to express sorrow for mistakes and seek forgiveness.

Now, how can you, incorporate fasting into your life in a practical way?

Start Small: Instead of jumping into a lengthy fast, begin with a shorter period and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
Digital Detox: In a world where screens dominate our attention, a digital fast can be equally transformative. Dedicate a specific time each day or week to disconnect from technology and focus on prayer, meditation, or reading Scripture.
Choose Wisely: Decide what you want to fast from – it could be a particular type of food, social media, or any activity that distracts you from having a quiet time with God.
Set Goals: Clearly define your goals for fasting. Whether it’s seeking guidance, deepening your relationship with God, or developing self-discipline, having a purpose will make the experience more meaningful.
Stay Connected: Engage in prayer and spend quality time meditating on the Word of God.
Corporate Fasting: Engage in fasting as a community. Whether it’s a family, church group, or online community, coming together in a shared fast can enhance the experience and foster a sense of unity.

Conclusion

Fasting is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s a personal journey that allows you to grow spiritually, develop self-discipline, and seek God’s guidance. So, if you’re curious about building up your faith in a new way, consider giving fasting a try. It might just be the key to unlocking a deeper connection with God.

1 And the worde of the Lord came vnto Ionah the seconde time, saying, 2 Arise, goe vnto Nineueh that great citie, and preach vnto it the preaching, which I bid thee. 3 So Ionah arose and went to Nineueh according to ye word of the Lord: now Nineueh was a great and excellent citie of three dayes iourney. 4 And Ionah began to enter into the citie a dayes iourney, and he cryed, and said, Yet fourtie dayes, and Nineueh shalbe ouerthrowen. 5 So the people of Nineueh beleeued God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth from ye greatest of the euen to the least of them. 6 For worde came vnto the King of Nineueh, and he rose from his throne, and he layed his robe from him, and couered him with sackecloth, and sate in ashes. 7 And he proclaimed and said through Nineueh, (by the counsell of ye king and his nobles) saying, Let neither man, nor beast, bullock nor sheep taste any thing, neither feed nor drinke water. 8 But let man and beast put on sackecloth, and crie mightily vnto God: yea, let euery man turne from his euill way, and from the wickednesse that is in their handes. 9 Who can tell if God will turne, and repent and turne away from his fierce wrath, that we perish not? 10 And God sawe their workes that they turned from their euill wayes: and God repented of the euill that he had said that he woulde doe vnto them, and he did it not.

Jonah Obeys the Lord

1 Once again the Lord spoke to Jonah. 2 He said, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to the people the message I have given you.” 3 So Jonah obeyed the Lord and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to walk through it. 4 Jonah started through the city, and after walking a whole day, he proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be destroyed!”

5 The people of Nineveh believed God's message. So they decided that everyone should fast, and all the people, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth to show that they had repented.

6 When the king of Nineveh heard about it, he got up from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth, and sat down in ashes. 7 He sent out a proclamation to the people of Nineveh: “This is an order from the king and his officials: No one is to eat anything; all persons, cattle, and sheep are forbidden to eat or drink. 8 All persons and animals must wear sackcloth. Everyone must pray earnestly to God and must give up their wicked behavior and their evil actions. 9 Perhaps God will change his mind; perhaps he will stop being angry, and we will not die!”

10 God saw what they did; he saw that they had given up their wicked behavior. So he changed his mind and did not punish them as he had said he would.