“And when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance… But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face” (Matthew 6:16–17, KJV).
Introduction
Fasting is not a religious trend or a human tradition. It is a biblical practice taught by God and demonstrated by His people throughout Scripture. From Moses to David, from Esther to Jesus Himself, fasting is consistently connected to humility, repentance, prayer, and spiritual power. The Bible does not ask if believers will fast—it speaks as though fasting is expected. Understanding why we should fast according to the Word of God helps us practice it with purpose and faith.
Fasting humbles us before God
One of the clearest purposes of fasting is humility. Fasting brings the body into submission and reminds us that we depend on God, not on bread alone.
David wrote:
“I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 35:13, KJV).
When we fast, pride is confronted. Self-reliance weakens, and the heart becomes more sensitive to the Lord. God promises to respond to humility.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV).
Fasting is not about earning God’s favor—it is about placing ourselves rightly before Him.
Fasting strengthens prayer
Throughout Scripture, fasting is closely linked to prayer. It sharpens spiritual focus and deepens our dependence on God.
Jesus said:
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21, KJV).
In the book of Acts, the early church fasted when seeking God’s direction and power.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul…” (Acts 13:2, KJV).
Fasting does not force God’s hand, but it aligns the believer’s heart with God’s will, making prayer more attentive and obedient.
Fasting expresses repentance and turning from sin
Fasting is often connected with repentance. When people in Scripture recognized sin or coming judgment, fasting accompanied genuine turning back to God.
The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah’s warning by fasting:
“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast… and God repented of the evil” (Jonah 3:5, 10, KJV).
Fasting does not replace repentance—it expresses it. A fast without a changed heart is empty, but a fast joined with repentance invites God’s mercy and restoration.
Fasting helps us seek God’s will
When facing important decisions, God’s people fasted to seek clarity and guidance.
Ezra declared:
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us” (Ezra 8:23, KJV).
Fasting quiets distractions and trains the believer to listen. It shifts attention away from earthly comforts and toward God’s voice, which is essential for spiritual discernment.
Fasting disciplines the flesh
Scripture teaches that the flesh and the spirit are in conflict. Fasting is one way God trains believers to walk in the Spirit rather than be ruled by physical desires.
Paul wrote:
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27, KJV).
Fasting reminds us that we are not controlled by appetites, habits, or cravings. Instead, we are led by the Spirit of God.
Conclusion
Fasting is a biblical discipline designed by God for spiritual growth, humility, repentance, prayer, and obedience. Jesus did not command fasting as a ritual, but He clearly assumed His followers would practice it with sincerity and faith. When done according to God’s Word and not for show, fasting draws the believer closer to the Lord and prepares the heart to walk in His will.
Fasting does not make us spiritual—but it positions us to depend fully on God, who alone gives strength, wisdom, and life.