Overview
Fasting appears throughout Scripture as a means of drawing near to God during seasons of prayer, repentance, and seeking His guidance. Jesus acknowledged fasting as a legitimate spiritual practice while warning against practicing it for human approval. True fasting focuses on seeking God's face rather than earning spiritual merit.
Key Scriptures
"Jesus said to them, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They will fast when the bridegroom is taken from them'" (Luke 5:34-35, NIV).
"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened" (Jonah 3:10, NIV)—describing Nineveh's fast that accompanied repentance.
"But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:17-18, NIV).
Application
Fast with a genuine desire to seek God's will and direction rather than to display spirituality to others.