Many consider fasting, going without some foods and beverages for a specified length of time, with a spiritual purpose to be an accepted practice. Many religious as well as a growing number of those just interested in healthy living practice some form of fasting. Studies suggest hunger is our strongest desire, and it is common knowledge sane people don’t go hungry for fun. We want something.
There are many examples in the Bible of fasting and prayer to seek the Lord. In Ezra he is seeking protection and wisdom. In Esther she is interceding for the people of God, Israel, that have been targeted for plunder and destruction. Jesus launched into ministry, by being led by the Spirit into the wilderness for a forty day fast. There is Moses, Elijah, Samuel, and many more that fasted and prayed in seeking the Lord.
Isaiah 58 describes the chosen fast as well as the one God rejects, letting us know He sees and responds to our motivation. Not the food being sacrificed, the amount of time in prayer, or the object of the stated prayer, but the motive. Remember the Word of God is sharper than a two edged sword, and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). Zech. 7:5 “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? If it isn’t for His glory it isn’t acceptable. I could say I’ve been fasting liverwurst for over twenty years. I was forced to eat it as a child, when the local grocer gave liverwurst ends to my dad to help him feed us during a difficult time. I couldn’t stand the stuff. It isn’t fasting for me to give up liverwurst! One child hearing about fasting told her parents, she was going to fast school for a month.
In reading Isaiah 58:6-14 you will notice the fast God is desiring from us. He is describing drawing near to God through strategic and across the board giving. He references sharing food, clothing, and home with those in need, as well as loosing bonds, breaking yokes, and liberating captives. Particularly, notice that Isa 58:12, and Isa 61:4 are talking about the same thing. The anointing Jesus entered into in His fast (Matt 4), is the same anointing He desires us to enter into. We give some time and and abstain from some food, as we give ourselves to Him and others for His glory. It is all about giving! It is loving others! It is connecting with His heart for people as we seek to connect with His Heart for us. We give some of our substance and we get more of Him (Phil 3:14). We are seeking to connect with Him, and while doing so are connecting with His anointing to minister to people. Hallelujah! Glory to God!