What is God’s divine expectation from those who fast? In other words, how do we fast so that God can be happy with our fast?
Before we answer this question, let us quickly remind ourselves that fasting is abstaining from food, from certain types of food, or from both food and drinks. Spiritual or Christian fasting is the practice of dedicating a period to keep the physical body subdued so that the individual concerned can pay closer attention to things of the soul and spirit. The general belief is that when we give to our five senses all the pleasures that they desire, this can get in the way of the spiritual. When we eat to the fullness of our belly, drink all the drinks that our taste buds like, watch all the things that our eyes desire to watch, and generally give ourselves what people call “full enjoyment”, it becomes more likely that our spiritual lives shall witness a decline. A way to arrest or reverse this decline is to fast once in a while. The more we fast, the more our spirit rules over the natural appetites, thus making us more effective in the things of the kingdom of God.
There are many more reasons why people fast. Or, to say it in another way, there are many more results or benefits of fasting. In this article, we shall attempt to answer the question, how do we fast so that God can be happy with us? In Isaiah 58: 6 – 8, the Bible says,
Isaiah 58:6-8 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
So, fasting is not acceptable to God if there is injustice and oppression. In other words, if you want to fast and you want to touch God, first give freedom to all the people that are under your yoke or oppression. Don’t continue oppressing people, keeping them in bondage and pain, and at the same time fasting unto God. Release those that you are tormenting or oppressing. Free those under your yoke.
Furthermore, fasting is not a financial management instrument. You should not engage in a Christian fast with the mind or determination that you want to use fasting to convey your food. When you fast, the resources that you should have spent to enjoy yourself should be given out to the poor, not kept at home or hoarded to make you richer.
To be continued.
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