What's the Point in Fasting? Ramadan - Week 2Andy Freeman - 9 Jul 2014

Each week during the season of Ramadan we’re posting an article to help you reflect on this global religious event. Probably as many as 1.6 billion people are observing a daily daylight fast until 27th July. But what do you think about fasting? Have you ever done it?

In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about fasting using the words “when you fast”...implying it’s going to be normal practice for followers of Christ. Maybe like me you find this more of a challenge, maybe “if you fast” feels more appropriate.  

During Ramadan, Muslims will be fasting food, drink, smoking, swearing and even intimacy in relationships. This could feel like an extreme commitment, but they use interesting language in regards to the purpose of fasting. Fasting, they say, is an act to “redirect the heart”.

That phrase has stuck with me. When we talk about repentance in the Bible it’s all about turning around. One of the Greek word’s used for sin in the New Testament is Harmatia which means missing the target. There’s a sense that when we go wrong in our lives, there’s a redirection or about-turn that’s required. Fasting has been used throughout the centuries as a way Christian’s reset themselves. It’s like a reboot for the soul.  

Here’s three little ideas for you.

1.    Fasting gives out of what we miss. In his inspirational book ‘Celebration of Discipline’, Richard Foster considers fasting and asks whether it’s a harder task for many affluent Christians than giving money. Fasting, whatever forms it takes, should be about giving sacrificially. I met someone once who said they were giving up Banana’s for Lent. “I hate them” they said. This isn’t the idea. 

Ask yourself what would I miss and then take a time away from it. Most obviously food is something we would all likely miss.  

2.    Fasting is about God not pain. Here’s the funny thing; Jesus spoke out about people who made fasting about how religious they are, who pulled faces and made it obvious they were suffering. This doesn’t make you holy. Only God can do that. If you fast for a while, it’s about the God who calls us not the pain we go through. It’s not public. It’s not a spiritual super-power. It’s an act of devotion. Wesley said “let [fasting] be done unto the Lord with our eye fixed on him”. 

Ask yourself how you might take a fast which coincides with a time of prayer or devotion for you. How can you deliberately make this for Jesus and no one else?

3.    Fasting rebalances us. Foster once again tells us that fasting reminds us who or what controls us. Maybe food is part of that. Maybe greed. Maybe it’s just about feeling satisfied. Fasts can take many forms and it’s again not just about sacrifice. Think about the controlling influences in your life. They may not be bad in themselves but they may be taking over. 

Ask yourself what controls you. How about giving it up for a time of fasting and prayer?  

For some of you fasting food may not be healthy or sensible. That’s ok. If you’re going to try to fast make sure you check you’re ok health-wise to attempt it and most of all take it slow, start simply.  

But if you can fast food or alternatively want to try fasting something else why not give it a try. 

*    Start with a simple short fast.
*    Think about how you might pray and focus on God during that time.
*    Chat to a friend about it afterwards to talk about what you learnt.

Why not let us know how you get on

All images are used by permission in accordance with commons copyright license terms: Feature image is a derivative of the images 'Peas on a Plate', by Lori L. Stalteri, 'Korean table' by Republic of Korea and 'the dark side' by Martin Fisch