February 5, 2024 — Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline

Fasting is not one of the gifts that Paul mentions in his writings, but I have learned that those who have been able to use fasting as a part of their faith disciplines, well, these people view fasting as a gift. What is fasting? I think we all have some idea of what we might think it entails. In the Lutheran Church, there has been a movement that many churches have participated in called the “Thirty Hour Famine”. Under the title “Go hungry to help hungry kids”, students grow closer to Christ and each other as they fast together for 30 hours and raise funds to fight hunger. It allows students to be part of something bigger than themselves by experiencing hunger in a different way and then to take action for G-d’s kingdom to help save the lives of hungry kids.

That is one way our students can experience the issue of hunger, but a spiritual discipline of fasting is completely different. Fasting by definition, is going without food and/or drink for a period of time. The practice of fasting is mentioned numerous times in the Bible as a reaction to various circumstances. Fasting was an act of repentance, as when the king of Nineveh ordered a fast after the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:5-9). Fasting was also a reaction to intense grief, as when the bones of Saul and his sons were buried (1 Samuel 31:13).

So, typically fasting was practiced for religious purposes. In this day and age, sometimes we need to refrain from both food and drink for health reasons as well, like if you have a medical procedure or a surgery. Whatever the need and purpose fasting is not easy, especially if you do it for an extended period of time. However, it may prove to be a temporary discipline that can challenge you in this season of Lent as you take time to refocus your attentions on your relationship with G-d. As always, if you choose to try fasting, be sure you do not have medical conditions that would preclude you from such a discipline. After all, we all want to be closer to G-d, but not to the point where we cross through the pearly gates before our appointed time.

Pastor Dave