This devotional on fasting explains what Jesus taught: fasting is a private act of hunger for God, not a performance. He said to fast “that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:18, ESV). Start small, fast quietly, and use the hunger as a reminder to pray.
Key Verse
“that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:18, ESV)
When, Not If
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says when you fast, not if. He assumed his followers would fast, just as they would give and pray. Fasting, going without food or something else for a time to focus on God, runs throughout Scripture: Moses, David, Esther, Daniel, Jesus himself, and the early church.
Fasting in Secret
Jesus warned against fasting like the hypocrites, who looked gloomy so others would notice. Their reward was the applause. Instead, he said to groom yourself as usual (Matthew 6:17). Look normal. Let it be between you and the Father who watches in secret and will reward you.
Fasting is not a way to earn God’s favor or force his hand. It is a way of saying, I want you more than food. The hunger becomes a prompt to pray, to repent, to seek guidance, or to remember those who go without.
How to Begin Wisely
If you are new to fasting, start small: skip one meal and spend that time in prayer, or fast from social media or another habit for a day. Drink water and be wise about your health. If you are pregnant, diabetic, have a history of disordered eating, or have medical conditions, talk with a doctor and consider a non-food fast instead. The goal is not the empty stomach but the full heart.
If you are new to fasting, start small. Skip one meal and spend that time in prayer, or set aside your phone for an evening. Hunger becomes a reminder to turn toward God.
Today, Try This
Choose one meal or one habit to set aside this week. Each time you feel the hunger or urge, pause and pray for one specific thing.
Reflection Question
What do you hunger for more than God, and what might it look like to set it aside for a time?
Prayer
Father, I want to hunger for you more than anything else. Teach me to fast with a humble, sincere heart, not for others to see but for you alone. Use the hunger to draw me closer to you. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about fasting?
Fasting appears throughout Scripture as a way to seek God, repent, and pray earnestly. Jesus fasted and taught his followers to fast in secret, not for show: “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:18, ESV). Fasting is about seeking God more deeply, never about earning his favor.
How should a Christian fast?
Start with a clear purpose, such as prayer, repentance, or guidance. Fast privately as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16–18 (ESV), use hunger as a prompt to pray, and begin small, like one meal. Those with health concerns should consult a doctor or choose a non-food fast.
Is fasting required for Christians?
The New Testament does not command a specific schedule, but Jesus spoke of fasting as something his followers would do (Matthew 6:16), assuming his followers would practice it. Fasting is a helpful spiritual discipline, not a way to earn God’s love. It should be done freely and wisely.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: repentance in the Bible
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Ash Wednesday Devotional (devotional)
- Related: Lent Devotional: Not by Bread Alone (Matthew 4:4)
- Related: Devotional on Praying in Secret: Go Into Your Room
- Bible Verses by Topic