Spiritual Fasting: Hungering for What Matters Most

Apr 21

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6

In a world that feeds our every craving—physically, emotionally, and digitally—spiritual fasting teaches us to say no to the flesh so we can say yes to God.

Fasting is one of the most forgotten, yet spiritually transformative disciplines we’re invited into. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about desperation. It's not about going without food, but going after God with everything we’ve got.

What Is Spiritual Fasting?

Spiritual fasting is the voluntary denial of something—most commonly food—for a set time in order to seek the Lord more deeply. It's not a diet. It's not a religious stunt. It's a posture of surrender and hunger for what truly satisfies: THE PRESENCE OF GOD

In the Bible, fasting is consistently tied to prayer, repentance, spiritual clarity, breakthrough, and preparation for mission. It's not about checking a box—it's about emptying ourselves to be filled with Him.

Biblical Examples of Fasting

Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1–11).
Moses fasted on Mount Sinai as he received God’s commandments (Exodus 34:28).
Esther called a national fast when her people faced annihilation (Esther 4:16).
David fasted in grief and repentance (2 Samuel 12:16).
The early church fasted before sending out missionaries and appointing elders (Acts 13:2–3).

Each fast was rooted in urgency, humility, and dependence on God.

Why Should We Fast Today?

1. To Humble Ourselves Before God

“I humbled my soul with fasting…” — Psalm 35:13
Fasting strips away our pride. It reminds us we are not in control—and we were never meant to be.

2. To Break Chains and Addictions

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness…” — Isaiah 58:6
Fasting exposes the strongholds we’ve numbed or ignored—and it invites God to break them.

3. To Seek God’s Will and Clarity

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said…” — Acts 13:2
In the stillness of fasting, we often hear the clearest call.

4. To Grow in Discipline and Spiritual Strength

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…” — 1 Corinthians 9:27
Fasting reminds us that our flesh doesn’t get the final say—our spirit does.

The Heart Behind the Fast

Fasting is never about performance. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:16–18 not to fast for show. It's not about drawing attention to yourself but drawing close to the Father.

“But thou, when thou fastest… thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Fasting is private worship. It’s intimacy with the Father that leads to strength, revelation, and power in public.

When Fasting Awakens the Battle Within

During my fast, I was shocked by the intensity of the sexual temptation I experienced. Memories came back. Desires resurfaced. I wasn’t just hungry for food—my flesh was starving for comfort, pleasure, and release.

Fasting didn’t create the temptation. It revealed what had been hidden. Lust wasn’t the problem—escape was. And food wasn’t my only comfort—I realized I had run to other cravings when life got heavy.

But here's the truth:

“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21

Some battles aren't broken by willpower alone—they're broken by spiritual surrender.

How to Fight When Lust Shows Up During Fasting

Don’t Be Surprised
The flesh is stubborn. When it starts to die, it screams. Temptation is a sign that the battle is being exposed.
Run to the Word, Not the Web
Get into Scripture. Open your mouth and speak God's truth. Don’t fight silence with silence—fight it with the Sword of the Spirit.
Cling to God’s Promises
“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness…” — 2 Timothy 2:22
“I made a covenant with mine eyes…” — Job 31:1
Tell a Brother
If you’re struggling, speak up. Fasting should be private, but battles should be fought in brotherhood. Isolation only strengthens temptation.
Let the Hunger Refocus You
Every hunger pang, every lustful thought—it can become a cue to run to God. You’re not craving sex. You’re craving spiritual intimacy and safety.

How to Start Fasting

Pray First – Ask God what He wants to reveal and heal.
Start Small – Try skipping one meal. Then extend as the Lord leads.
Stay in the Word – Don’t just avoid food; feast on truth.
Stay Accountable – Let someone walk with you through it.
Break the Fast Gently – Don’t rush into indulgence. Let the discipline carry over.

When You’re Hungry—Remember Why

Fasting hurts. That’s the point.

That ache in your stomach? That’s your spirit waking up.
That craving? That’s your body realizing it’s not in control anymore.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4

You don’t fast to prove yourself. You fast to empty yourself—so God can fill you.

Final Word

Fasting is not weakness. It’s warfare.
It’s how men of God rise, kneel, and listen.
It’s how sons of God fight—not with fists, but with surrender.

When the world says, “Feed yourself,”
Fasting says, “Deny yourself.”
And in denying yourself, you’ll find more than food—you’ll find God Himself.

Wesley Maples