No Magic In It

Throughout the Bible, there are references to a spiritual discipline that we largely ignore: fasting. Many Christians have no real idea what a 'fast' is. A fast is a voluntary abstention from something we enjoy, most often, food. There are various kinds of fasts. A "Daniel fast" is a diet of plain foods, modeled after Daniel's refusal of the king's choice foods in favor of vegetables. A complete fast is just what is says, not eating at all, usually only for a day or two. Limited fasts are urged by Church tradition during Lent. These fasts are extended and involve setting aside a food group. Some forego meat, for example, during the observance.

So, why all this attention to deprivation? There are two things involved in a fast. The first is the spiritual discipline of subjecting the body's appetites to our control. More importantly, a fast is a way to focus our attention on the Lord and His work. Nearly every reference to fasting in the New Testament is the context of prayer. Jesus fasted when He went through the wilderness testing where He was engaged in intense prayer. The apostles coupled prayed with fasting when they were asking for the will of God to be revealed. Fasting can be a way to add intensity to our prayers. 

It can also be a way to call attention to ourselves! That is a terrible misuse of the discipline and is a sin. Like all our worship, we must not turn it into a performance for people. It is about loving and honoring God. The Lord plainly taught: "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I assure you, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will suspect you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in secret. And your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18, NLT) Nothing twists spiritual devotion inside out more quickly than making it about admiration! And, few things earn more admiration than an extended fast. Why? Because we all know how difficult it is to give up the food we love so much! So, Jesus warns us to keep our devotion to ourselves so that the focus stays on hearing God. 

Some, because of a misunderstanding of the Scripture, attach a magical quality to fasting. They say things like: "You want to get healed? Fast!" In that worldview, fasting can produce all kinds of results. Truthfully, there is no magic in it. That kind of fasting is more like a hunger strike designed to force God into action which is utter foolishness. God is not impressed if I starve. He cares little for what's on my plate! What He does care about is the content of my heart. If my heart needs to be reordered by the discipline of fasting, then I must do it as a means of opening myself to the work of the Spirit . We fast, not for Him, but for ourselves in order that we will know and serve Him better. In that intimacy, we find spiritual power that flows from prayers that go beyond "Bless us everyone, Amen." 

In this season of Lent, I encourage you to use the discipline of fasting as a tool for growth. Experiment with it, prayerfully. Engage yourself deeply enough to feel some pain and offer that to the Spirit. Never forget that the truest fasting involves setting aside our love of ourselves. Isaiah challenges the idea that giving up some food or comfort is the real issue. As you think about this, hear this challenge from the Spirit.

"You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like a blade of grass in the wind. You dress in sackcloth and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord? "No, the kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help." (Isaiah 58:5-7, NLT)

"Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day." (Isaiah 58:10, NLT)    

Father in Heaven, I am incurably religious.

I slip too quickly into making our songs, fasts, and Bible Studies

the focus of my faith instead of pursuing You.

Call me persistently. Teach me to wait patiently.

Renew my spirit as You move deeply within me,

As You remind me of Your goodness in moments of wonder

scattered throughout my ordinary day.

When Self struts, call me to a fast that restores order.

Help me  to keep in step with the Spirit,

hearing the cadence of Heaven today.

In Jesus' holy Name I pray. Amen.