Fasting is deeply rooted in Scripture. From Moses on Mount Sinai to Jesus in the wilderness, fasting has always been a way to connect with Yehovah (God's real English name).
Fasting is a spiritual discipline where an individual will willingly give up something of value in their life for a season to draw closer to God. Typically, fasting involves giving up certain foods and/or water, but in modern times, giving up a vice, like social media or sugary foods, is more common.
God seems to put high value on fasting, but in today's world, fasting is sometimes viewed as a way to strong-arm God into moving in an area. We will address if this is biblical or not in the teaching.
So let's dive into it!
What is the Point?
From what I can find, there are 3 main reasons in the Bible:
- To repent
- To mourn
- To get God to move in an area
Examples in Scripture:
Repent - 1Sa 7:6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah.
Mourn - Neh 1:4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Move of God - Ezr 8:21 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.
How to Fast Correctly
Yeshua gives us all the info we need in Matthew 6:
Mat 6:16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
Mat 6:17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
Mat 6:18 so that it will not be obvious to others 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.
Note how Yeshua says 'WHEN you fast', and not IF you fast.
So the perfect way to fast is:
- Don't make a show of fasting: Avoid looking somber or drawing attention to yourself like the hypocrites do.
- Maintain your normal appearance: Wash your face and anoint your head (i.e., groom yourself as usual) to avoid looking like you're fasting.
- Keep it private: Your fasting should be between you and God, not for public recognition.
This is how a fast should look, but there is another piece to the puzzle which we will cover in the next chapter:
When Fasting Won't Work
Similar to prayer or offerings, God only cares about one thing - Your heart when you do it. There is an example in Isaish, where the people of Israel fast, but don't get a breakthrough, and they begin to complain to God, and God responds through Isaiah here:
Isa 58:3 ‘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.
Isa 58:4 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.
Isa 58:5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
God explains why Israel's fast is not heard - They were blatantly sinning. The Bible defines sin as being without God's Law. In this case, they are oppressing others, fighting, and being wicked. God also highlights how doing the 'works' of fasting, such as putting on sackcloth or bowing your head, means nothing, as their hearts were sinful.
God in His mercy, responds by giving them more direction on how to fast:
Isa 58:6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Isa 58:7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- Justice prevails & sin is cast aside - to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke
- Those in hunger are fed & shelter provided - Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter
- Your family is taken care of - do not turn away from your own flesh and blood?
God says if these things are done properly, then reward comes:
Isa 58:8 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.
Isa 58:9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
God continues to encourage. Isn't it amazing how when we do so little, but in the right way, He can do so much?:
Isa 58:10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
Isa 58:11 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.
Isa 58:12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Combining these points (Selflessly dying to self for others, such as your family or the hungry) and performing a fast correctly (Not showing off, not doing it for your own glory), then God will move, and a breakthrough will come.
Conclusion
Fasting is not just a tradition or religious duty—it's a powerful, biblical tool for drawing closer to Yehovah. From the examples of Moses, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Yeshua, we see that fasting can be used to repent, mourn, or seek a move of God. But more importantly, Scripture makes it clear that the posture of our heart matters far more than the act itself.
Yeshua teaches us in Matthew 6 that fasting should be private, humble, and sincere—done for God alone, not to be seen by others. Isaiah 58 reinforces this truth by showing that even the most devout-looking fast will be rejected if it's rooted in sin, selfishness, or hypocrisy. God is not looking for outward shows of devotion—He desires justice, mercy, and a heart aligned with His ways.
When we fast with clean hands and a pure heart—seeking to love others, serve the oppressed, and pursue righteousness—God promises healing, guidance, provision, and restoration. So as you fast, don’t just give something up—offer your whole self to God. Use the time to align with His will, serve others, and grow in holiness. That’s the kind of fast that moves heaven—and transforms lives.
