Fasting: Understanding Biblical Fasting & How It Draws Us Closer to God

Written By Daniel Mims

Fasting is a practice that dates back thousands of years, rooted in Scripture and practiced by believers seeking to draw closer to God. While many people are familiar with fasting as a dietary practice, biblical fasting is distinct in its purpose. It’s not just about abstaining from food—it’s about intentionally setting aside earthly distractions to focus on spiritual growth. This type of fasting creates space for God to move in our lives, bringing clarity, direction, and transformation.

In moments of confusion or difficulty, fasting can serve as a spiritual reset, helping us realign with God’s will and reminding us of His faithfulness. Whether you’re new to fasting or revisiting it after some time, understanding its biblical roots and benefits can inspire a deeper walk with God. Click the link above for the full message.

Why Do We Fast?

Biblical fasting has always been a response to a need for God’s intervention or presence. Whether seeking guidance, repenting of sin, or expressing dependence on God, fasting helps believers humble themselves before the Lord. The Israelites often fasted in times of crisis or transition. One example is found in Ezra 8:21, where Ezra proclaims a fast to seek God’s protection for their journey:

“There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.”

Fasting, when coupled with prayer, heightens spiritual sensitivity and helps clear away the noise of everyday life. It’s an act of dependence, showing God that we trust Him more than our physical needs.

How Fasting Helps Us Recommit to God’s Word

Fasting isn’t just about denying ourselves—it’s about making room for God. One of the most significant benefits of fasting is the way it drives us back to God’s Word. In Nehemiah 8, we read how the Israelites gathered to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law. They had drifted far from God, and this was a moment of spiritual recommitment. As they listened, their hearts were pierced, and they were moved to worship and repentance.

Just as the Israelites stood for hours listening to Scripture, fasting today gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in God’s Word. It’s a chance to pause from the rush of life and realign our hearts with His truth. When we commit to God’s Word during fasting, we’re reminded of His promises and His call on our lives.

Remembering God’s Faithfulness Through Fasting

Another key purpose of fasting is to reflect on God’s faithfulness. The Israelites celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles as a way of remembering how God provided for them during their journey through the wilderness. In the same way, fasting helps us recall how God has been present in our lives through every season. Pausing to reflect on God’s past faithfulness builds trust for the future.

When doubts arise, remembering how He has provided, protected, and guided us reassures us that He will continue to do so. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” As you fast, take moments to thank God for His provision and reflect on how He has been faithful in the past. This practice not only strengthens your faith but also brings a sense of peace as you look ahead.

Repentance: A Core Component of Fasting

Fasting is often associated with repentance in Scripture. In Nehemiah 9:1-3, after hearing the Word of God, the Israelites gathered to fast, confess their sins, and seek God’s mercy. They wore sackcloth and sprinkled dust on their heads as outward signs of their inward repentance. Repentance is an essential part of drawing close to God. It’s a moment of turning away from sin and realigning our lives with His will. Through fasting, we humble ourselves and ask God to search our hearts, reveal any areas where we’ve drifted, and cleanse us of anything that separates us from Him. As 1 John 1:9 promises,

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Drawing Close to God and Putting Him First

At its core, fasting is about drawing closer to God. It’s an intentional act of putting Him first in our lives, even above our most basic needs. In James 4:8, we’re given this beautiful promise:

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Fasting helps us remove the distractions that often pull us away from God, creating space for deeper intimacy with Him. This week, consider what it might look like to put God first in your life. Whether it’s through setting aside time for prayer, denying yourself certain comforts, or immersing yourself in Scripture, fasting offers a pathway to spiritual renewal and deeper connection with your Creator.

Practical Tips for Fasting

  • Choose Your Fast: Decide on the type of fast you’ll do—whether it’s a complete fast, a liquid-only fast, or a partial fast (e.g., giving up specific foods).

  • Set a Purpose: What are you fasting for? Clarity? Guidance? Breakthrough? Write it down and keep it as a focus during your fast.

  • Stay in Prayer: Fasting without prayer is just dieting. Make prayer a central part of your fast.

  • Reflect on Scripture: Choose passages that speak to your heart and meditate on them throughout the day.

  • Be Prepared: Fasting can bring physical discomfort. Use those moments as reminders to turn to God in prayer.

Check out our 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting Guide

If you’re looking for a place to start your fasting journey, download our editable 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting guide by clicking the image link:

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