Fasting Basics: When, How, & Heart Posture

Scripture:

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.”

Matthew 6:16–17

Reflection

Fasting can feel intimidating or overly spiritualized, especially when it’s framed as a rigid rule or a way to prove discipline. But fasting was never meant to be about impressing God or comparing ourselves to others.

At its core, fasting is personal.

While Scripture often includes fasting from food, fasting itself is about intentionally removing something so we can make room for God. It is not about punishment or deprivation. It is about attention, dependence, and alignment.

The question is not, “What are others fasting from?”

The better question is, “What has my heart been leaning on?”

Jesus speaks about fasting in Matthew 6 as something assumed, not announced. “When you fast,” not “if you fast.” This reminds us that fasting is meant to be a quiet, intentional practice focused on the heart, not performance.

Isaiah 58 takes it even deeper, showing us that God is not impressed by outward sacrifice without inward change. Biblical fasting is meant to realign our hearts, sharpen our awareness, and draw us closer to Him.

Recently, I began a 30-day fast from television. Not because TV is bad, but because I noticed how often it filled space in my life. Background noise. Comfort. Familiarity. When it was gone, I felt surprisingly disoriented. That discomfort revealed something important. I was not just watching TV. I was relying on it.

This fast has not been about television. It has been about awareness. About noticing what I turn to automatically instead of turning to God.

That is where fasting does its real work.

Daily Practice

If you feel led to fast, let it be prayerful and personal. There is no spiritual hierarchy in the length or type of fast. What matters is obedience, not pressure.

Prepare intentionally. Decide ahead of time what you will replace the habit with, whether that is Scripture, prayer, reading, or stillness. Fasting reveals what we rely on, not to shame us, but to invite growth.

Fasting is not about restriction. It is about reordering.

Reflection Question

What is something in my life that quietly takes up more space than it should?

Closing Prayer

God, show me what needs to be released so You can take Your rightful place again.

Teach me surrender without fear and discipline without pride.

Draw my heart closer to You.

In Jesus name, amen.

See you in the next one! -skyechanel