The Secret of Acceptable Fasting

 

Memory Verse

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7, NKJV)

 Introduction

Beloved in Christ, fasting is one of the most profound spiritual disciplines in the Christian life, yet it is often misunderstood or practiced superficially. Many believers approach fasting as a mere ritual—skipping meals to fulfill a religious obligation or to seek a quick answer from God—without grasping its deeper purpose. The Bible reveals that there is a secret to fasting that makes it truly acceptable to God: it is not primarily about denying the body food, but about aligning the heart with God's priorities of justice, mercy, compassion, and genuine repentance.

In Isaiah 58, God confronts His people who were fasting outwardly while their lives remained unchanged. They complained that God did not notice their efforts, but the Lord exposed the hypocrisy: their fasting was accompanied by strife, exploitation, and self-interest. True fasting, however, unleashes divine power, brings healing, and transforms both the individual and society. Jesus Himself fasted and taught on it in Matthew 6:16-18, emphasizing secrecy and sincerity over show. The secret lies in fasting that flows from a humbled heart, seeks God's face earnestly, and results in practical love toward others. As we explore this topic, may the Holy Spirit open our eyes to practice fasting in a way that delights the Lord and releases His blessings.

To uncover the secret of acceptable fasting, we must delve deeply into the Scriptures, particularly Isaiah 58, which stands as the definitive biblical chapter on the subject. Here, God does not reject fasting altogether; rather, He redefines it, exposing counterfeit forms and revealing the authentic.

The chapter begins with a command to the prophet: “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression” (Isaiah 58:1). The people appeared zealous—they sought God daily, delighted in His ways, and fasted regularly—yet God charged them with rebellion. Why? Their fasting was empty because it lacked heart transformation. In verses 3-5, they lamented, “Why have we fasted... and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?” God's response is piercing: “In the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness” (verses 3-4).

This exposes the first major flaw in unacceptable fasting: it is self-centered and hypocritical. The people abstained from food but continued oppressing workers, quarreling, and pursuing personal gain. Their “humiliation” was external—bowing heads like reeds, lying in sackcloth and ashes—but not internal. God asks rhetorically, “Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush...?” (verse 5). No, this is not the fasting God desires.

The secret is unveiled in verses 6-7: the fast God chooses is one that actively pursues righteousness and mercy. “To loose the bonds of wickedness” means breaking chains of injustice, whether personal sin or societal oppression. “To undo the heavy burdens” involves lifting loads from the weary—forgiving debts, easing hardships. “To let the oppressed go free” calls for advocating liberty, standing against exploitation. “Break every yoke” signifies removing bondage in relationships, work, or spiritual strongholds.

Furthermore, acceptable fasting extends to tangible compassion: sharing bread with the hungry, housing the homeless, clothing the naked, and caring for one's own family without hiding from their needs. This is not optional; it is the essence. Fasting that ignores human suffering is rejected by God.

Cross-referencing other Scriptures deepens this understanding. In Zechariah 7:5, God questions the post-exile Jews: “When you fasted and mourned... these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?” Their fasts commemorated tragedies but were self-focused rituals, not heartfelt devotion to God. Similarly, in Joel 2:12-13, the call to repentance is: “Return to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart and not your garments.” Tearing garments was an outward sign; God wants torn hearts—genuine sorrow over sin leading to change.

Jesus builds on this in the New Testament. In Matthew 6:16-18, He warns against hypocritical fasting: “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting... But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place.” The secret here is privacy and sincerity—fasting for God's eyes alone, not human praise.

Biblical fasting, then, has multiple layers: physical abstinence humbles the flesh (Psalm 35:13), creating space for spiritual focus; but without heart alignment, it is futile. True fasting combines denial of self with pursuit of God's kingdom—repentance inwardly and justice outwardly. It is a holistic act where the stomach's hunger mirrors the soul's hunger for God, driving us to prayer, Scripture, and acts of love.

Historical examples illustrate this. Moses fasted 40 days receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28), interceding for Israel. Esther called a fast for deliverance, risking her life for others (Esther 4:16). Jesus' 40-day fast prepared Him for ministry, overcoming temptation by God's Word (Matthew 4:1-11). The early church fasted before major decisions, like sending Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3). In each case, fasting was tied to seeking God intensely, often for breakthrough or guidance, always with humility.

The promises for acceptable fasting are staggering (Isaiah 58:8-12): light breaking forth like dawn, quick healing, righteousness as a guard, God's glory as rear protection, answered prayers (“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer”), guidance, satisfaction in dryness, strength like a watered garden, restoration of ruins. Verse 9 promises, “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness... Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer.” This is the secret's power: fasting done God's way invites His presence and intervention.

Yet, many today miss this. Corporate fasts become routines without personal repentance. Personal fasts seek blessings without addressing sin or injustice. The secret demands integration: fast from food while feasting on God's Word, pray fervently, and actively love neighbors. It confronts pride, revealing dependence on God over self-sufficiency.

In essence, acceptable fasting is a covenant act—denying the body to affirm the spirit's allegiance to God, resulting in transformed lives that reflect His character. It is not magic or manipulation but a pathway to deeper intimacy with the Father who sees in secret and rewards openly.

Now, let us apply these truths practically. Acceptable fasting teaches us profound lessons about God's heart and our walk with Him.

First, it teaches humility. By abstaining from food—a basic need—we acknowledge our creaturely dependence. We are not self-sufficient; every breath and bite comes from God. As David said, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). In a world of abundance, fasting reminds us that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). It shifts focus from physical appetites to spiritual nourishment.

Second, fasting teaches repentance. Joel's call to “rend your heart” means breaking over sin. Acceptable fasting exposes hidden motives—anger, greed, unforgiveness—and leads to confession. It is not punishment but preparation, softening the soil of the heart for God's planting.

Third, it teaches intercession. Many biblical fasts were for others: Daniel for his nation (Daniel 9), Nehemiah for Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1). Hunger pangs prompt prayer for breakthroughs—salvation of loved ones, revival in churches, justice in society.

Fourth, fasting teaches compassion. Isaiah links it directly to caring for the needy. As we feel physical hunger, we empathize with the chronically hungry. This moves us from pity to action: giving, serving, advocating. True fasting makes us channels of God's mercy.

Fifth, it teaches warfare. Paul speaks of weapons “mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Jesus said some demons come out “only by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21, some manuscripts). Acceptable fasting weakens the flesh, strengthening the spirit against temptation and spiritual opposition.

Sixth, fasting teaches reward. Jesus promises the Father “who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:18). Rewards include clarity, peace, power, provision. But the greatest is God Himself—deeper fellowship, hearing His voice clearly.

In teaching others, emphasize preparation: consult doctors if health issues; start small (one meal); set purpose (repentance, guidance); replace meal times with prayer/Bible. During fast, avoid legalism—focus on grace. Break fast gently.

Corporate fasting, as in Jonah 3 or Acts, unites believers for common causes. But always, heart over ritual.

These teachings transform fasting from duty to delight, revealing God's desire for relationship over religion.

Practical advice for embracing the secret of acceptable fasting:

1. Examine Motives: Before fasting, ask: Is this for God or self? Seek heart purity. Confess known sin.

2. Combine with Prayer and Word: Fasting without these is dieting. Use hunger as prayer prompts. Meditate on Scriptures like Isaiah 58.

3. Incorporate Mercy Acts: Plan specific kindnesses—donate food, visit lonely, forgive offenders. Make fasting outward.

4. Keep It Secret: Follow Jesus—appear normal. Avoid announcing; let God reveal if needed.

5. Start Gradually: Beginners: partial fasts (Daniel 10:3—no pleasant food). Advanced: longer, but wisely.

6. Listen for Guidance: Journal impressions. God often speaks clearly during fasts.

7. Address Injustices: In personal life (harboring bitterness) or broader (supporting causes against oppression).

8. Persevere Through Difficulty: Weakness, headaches normal—offer to God. If overwhelming, break with water/juice.

9. End Purposefully: Break with thanksgiving. Reflect on lessons.

10. Make Habitual: Regular fasting (weekly, monthly) builds discipline.

For leaders: Teach this holistically, modeling it. For families: Involve age-appropriately.

Remember, grace covers failures. God honors sincere efforts.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach us the secret of fasting that pleases You—a fast of humbled hearts, repentant spirits, and compassionate hands. Help us rend our hearts, loose bonds, and share with the needy. May our fasting bring glory to Your name and breakthrough in our lives. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.