True Fasting

Alright, so i've come to the realization that mondays may almost always be skipped, just because it's my most busy day- i didn't even do my devo's yesterday... T_T

But i did Sunday so i'll go off of that (at some point, hopefully, i'll get back to talking about what i read on the day i decided to post...)


"'Why have we fasted,' they say,'and you have not seen it?' Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high."
Isaiah 58: 3-4

So i'm glad i ran into this scripture because the only other scripture i've ever read about fasting was in Matthew and Deuteronomy:
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:16-18

"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
Deuteronomy 8:3

Fasting is something that one does to honor God- like it says in Deuteronomy, When we fast we are acknowledging that it is God and only God that keeps us alive, not even food or drink. Of course, that doesn't mean that everyone decides to fast cause they just wanna honor God randomly (not like there is a real problem with that. it happens every once and a while) but usually when one fasts, it's because they are faced with a really big problem- a situation that they cannot control, something bad that they know is going to happen and there doesn't seem to be a way out of it, even something like a very important decision that they need to be made. When we are in these situation, that is usually when fasting is a good thing to look to. That is because you are offering up to God your problem as well as letting him know that you know that he is the one that controls all- even your life.

So, i know that this sounds a little crazy- like some kind of form of Christian suicide- but, as long as the problem is necessary and ur heart is in the right place, you will be fine. This is where that faith kicks in- you have to trust God with everything- that means all aspects of your life as well as your life itself.

What is important to remember, as we see in Matthew and Isaiah, is that fasting is only half of the exercise, how you fast is just as important as the process itself. Matthew emphasises the importance of keeping your fast between you and God. your fasting is ideally suppose to be a direct offering to God of yourself, he is the one that is suppose to get the glory. Letting people know you are fasting is something that no longer gives God any glory but, instead, it gives you the glory. We fast to say "God, you are bigger and more amazing that i will ever be- i put my ego aside to honor you will all that is mine." Telling everyone else that we fast is basically saying to God that you are not interested in giving him glory, ur interested in giving yourself glory.

Remember in Deuteronomy, God made the Israelites hunger as a way to humble their hearts.
In the same way, when we fast it is suppose to be in a way that we humble ourselves.

In Isaiah, it also talks about how you fast. In the context of the chapter (Isaiah 58), God is more referring to his holy days that the Jews had to acknowledge like the sabbath, but we can still use this scripture today just because it talks about the fasting on these holy days. God tells his people that, in order for God to acknowledge the fasting that is done, the people need to act differently when they are fasting. Don't fast and just carry on the day like you usually do.

When we fast, it's is a time to worship God. The hunger is a constant reminder of why we are doing this and we should mediate on God through prayer and his word- give the days up for God, not yourself. There should be a difference in how you spend your time when you are fasting.

When we fast right, God answers your prayers like no other. It becomes clear to you what you have to do and the problem you are facing is gone. Not only that though, after fasting- like after missionary work or going through a dry spot- you come out changed and stronger in your faith than when you came in:
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn. and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."
Isaiah 58:8

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
Isaiah 58:11

"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.' The mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Isaiah 58:13-14

Peace be with you
*yaaay for not being crazy long!!! :D*