Fasting is a spiritual discipline mentioned throughout the Bible, and Jesus specifically talks about the importance of doing it in secret. But why is fasting in secret so important? Let’s explore what the Bible says about fasting and how this private act of devotion can strengthen your relationship with God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Our Feelings
What Does The Bible Say About Fasting In Secret
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fasting in secret, without seeking attention or validation from others. It warns against the hypocrisy of performing religious acts for the sake of appearances. Fasting should be a personal and sincere practice, done with a pure heart and with the intention of drawing closer to God. By fasting in secret, we demonstrate humility and a desire to align ourselves with God’s will, rather than seeking praise from others.
The promise of reward from the Father reinforces the idea that fasting is a spiritual discipline that can have profound effects on our relationship with God. When we fast in secret, we cultivate a deeper intimacy with God and allow Him to see our sincerity and commitment. Our focus shifts from seeking recognition from others to seeking communion with our Heavenly Father.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
This verse highlights the true essence of fasting by emphasizing the importance of acts of justice, compassion, and generosity towards others. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food but also about making a tangible difference in the lives of those who are suffering. It challenges us to address social injustices, to help those in need, and to demonstrate love and kindness in practical ways.
By fasting in secret, we are able to focus our attention on helping others without seeking recognition or appreciation. It allows us to redirect our energy towards acts of service rather than drawing attention to ourselves. Fasting becomes a means of selfless love, as we put the needs of others before our own and actively seek to make a positive impact in the world.
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.”
This verse illustrates the power of fasting as a form of humble supplication before God. By voluntarily denying ourselves physical nourishment, we humble ourselves and demonstrate our dependence on God’s mercy and intervention. Fasting can be a sincere expression of our desperate pleas, as we seek God’s response to our prayers.
In fasting, we acknowledge our limitations and the need for divine intervention. It is a humbling practice that reminds us to surrender our lives and our concerns to God. Fasting in secret allows us to approach God with authenticity and vulnerability, knowing that He sees the depths of our hearts and desires to answer our prayers according to His will.
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
This verse calls for a wholehearted return to God through fasting, weeping, and mourning. It conveys the urgency of seeking reconciliation and restoration with God, recognizing that true repentance involves a deep humility and a willingness to seek Him with sincerity.
When we fast in secret, we demonstrate a genuine desire to turn away from our sins and seek God’s forgiveness. It is a personal commitment to align ourselves with God’s righteousness and to be transformed by His grace. Fasting becomes a deeply spiritual practice that allows us to connect with God on a profound level, as we seek His presence and guidance in our lives.
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”
This verse portrays the act of fasting as a powerful expression of earnest prayer and petition before God. Fasting, combined with sackcloth and ashes, symbolizes deep repentance and a desperate plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Fasting in secret allows us to approach God with complete sincerity and vulnerability. It creates an atmosphere of humility and surrender, as we acknowledge our own inadequacies and place our trust in God’s sovereignty. By fasting, we position ourselves to receive God’s grace and experience His transformative power in our lives.
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
This verse demonstrates the connection between fasting and answered prayer. The act of fasting intensifies our devotion and demonstrates our sincerity before God. It positions us to seek His intervention and guidance.
When we fast in secret, we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to seeking God’s will and committing our concerns to Him. It is an act of faith, trusting that God will hear and respond to our prayers. Fasting in secret allows us to focus solely on our relationship with God and opens the door for His supernatural intervention in our lives.
Acts 27:9
“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them.”
This verse illustrates the historical context of fasting and its significance in the early Christian community. The reference to the Day of Atonement highlights the solemnity and importance of fasting in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Fasting in secret enables us to tap into the rich tradition of fasting as a spiritual discipline. It aligns us with the practices of the early church and offers us an opportunity to deepen our faith and draw closer to God. By fasting in secret, we participate in a timeless practice that has been embraced by believers throughout history.
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This verse highlights the temporary nature of fasting within the context of marital relationships. It suggests that spouses may mutually agree to abstain from physical intimacy in order to devote themselves to focused prayer.
Fasting in secret allows individuals to prioritize their spiritual lives without imposing restrictions or obligations on others. It recognizes the personal nature of fasting and the unique journeys each person takes in their pursuit of God. By engaging in secret fasting, we honor the individual nature of our relationship with God, while still seeking to grow in intimacy with Him.
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
This verse demonstrates the power of fasting as a collective act of devotion and intercession. Esther called for the Jewish community to fast in support of her courageous decision to approach the king and advocate for her people.
When we engage in secret fasting, we can still join our hearts and prayers with others, even if they are unaware of our personal sacrifice. It allows us to bear the burdens of others before God, interceding on their behalf and seeking His intervention. Fasting in secret enables us to contribute to the spiritual well-being of our communities without seeking recognition or applause.
Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
This verse portrays fasting as a precursor to receiving specific guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit. The disciples fasted and prayed as they sought divine wisdom regarding the selection of individuals for a specific mission.
By fasting in secret, we position ourselves to hear from God and discern His will. It creates an environment of heightened spiritual sensitivity, where we can receive clarity and direction. Fasting becomes not just a physical exercise but a spiritual posture that prepares us for divine encounters.
Zechariah 7:5
“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?”
This verse confronts the issue of empty and insincere fasting performed without a true devotion to God. It challenges individuals to examine their motives and intentions behind their fasting practices.
When we fast in secret, we are compelled to evaluate our hearts and ensure that our motives are pure. It guards against performative spirituality and invites us to authentically seek a deeper connection with God. Fasting becomes an act of devotion that prioritizes our relationship with God above all else.
Acts 10:30
“Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me.”
This verse reveals the connection between prayer and fasting, as Cornelius recounts his encounter with an angel after a period of devoted prayer.
Fasting in secret enhances our prayer life and deepens our communion with God. It allows us to dedicate extended periods of uninterrupted time to seek God’s face and align our hearts with His purposes. By combining fasting with prayer, we position ourselves to experience divine encounters and receive supernatural revelations.
Acts 27:21-25
“After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: ‘Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.'”
This verse demonstrates the power of fasting in times of crisis and uncertainty. Paul’s assurance of God’s protection and intervention was preceded by a period of extended fasting and prayer.
When we fast in secret, especially during challenging times, we find solace and strength in seeking God’s guidance and intervention. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on Him and our trust in His faithfulness. Fasting becomes a spiritual weapon that empowers us to face adversity with courage and faith.
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'”
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question regarding their inability to cast out a particular demon emphasizes the need for prayer and fasting as a means of spiritual breakthrough.
By fasting in secret, we engage in a focused spiritual discipline that strengthens our faith and prepares us for encountering and overcoming spiritual challenges. It enables us to tap into the supernatural power of God, depend on His strength, and experience victory over spiritual opposition.
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days, I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
This verse depicts Nehemiah’s response to hearing about the distressing conditions in Jerusalem. He engaged in a period of mourning, fasting, and prayer as an expression of his deep concern and desire to seek God’s guidance and favor.
When we fast in secret, we demonstrate our sincere burden for the brokenness of the world and the needs of others. It becomes an act of intercession, where we align our hearts with God’s and seek His intervention. Fasting becomes a tangible way to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.
Acts 9:9
“For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.”
This verse describes the period of fasting undertaken by Saul (later known as Paul) following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. It signifies a time of personal reflection, repentance, and spiritual transformation.
When we fast in secret, we create space for personal introspection and self-examination. It offers an opportunity to align our lives with God’s purposes and to experience inner renewal. Fasting becomes a catalyst for personal growth and a means of deepening our relationship with God.
Luke 2:37
“and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”
This verse portrays Anna, a devout prophetess who spent her days fasting, praying, and worshiping in the temple. Her commitment to a lifestyle of fasting reflects her deep devotion to God and her longing for His presence.
Fasting in secret can become a regular spiritual discipline that shapes our daily lives. It cultivates a constant attitude of dependence on God and a hunger for His presence. By embracing a lifestyle of secret fasting, we position ourselves to experience a continuous sense of spiritual connection and intimacy with God.
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ wilderness experience of fasting for forty days and nights as a preparation for His ministry. It showcases the power and discipline of fasting as a spiritual practice.
When we fast in secret, we mirror Jesus’ example of embracing seasons of solitude and sacrifice for the purpose of spiritual growth and preparation. Fasting becomes a means of deepening our devotion to God and surrendering ourselves to His plans and purposes.
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
This verse depicts the religious practice of fasting observed by the Pharisee, highlighting the importance they placed on outward displays of piety. However, Jesus teaches about the need for genuine sincerity and true humility in fasting.
When we fast in secret, we are invited to shift our focus from external appearances to the inward condition of our hearts. It challenges us to examine our motives and ensure that our fasting is rooted in a desire to seek God and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, rather than seeking the approval or praise of others.
Psalm 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;”
This verse reveals the potential challenges and obstacles that may arise when fasting, including the scorn and judgment of others. Yet, despite these challenges, fasting is still seen as a valuable spiritual practice.
When we fast in secret, we may face criticism or misunderstanding from those who do not understand our motivations. However, our faithfulness to the practice of secret fasting allows us to persevere in our pursuit of God’s presence and favor. It becomes a personal expression of devotion, even in the face of external opposition.
Zechariah 7:3
“by asking the priests of the house of the Lord Almighty and the prophets, ‘Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?'”
This verse raises the question of fasting traditions and their meaningfulness. It prompts individuals to seek wise counsel and guidance regarding the appropriateness and significance of fasting practices.
Fasting in secret allows us to engage in a personal reflection and evaluation of our own fasting practices. It encourages us to seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors and leaders, as we navigate the appropriate ways to incorporate fasting into our personal spiritual journeys. It invites us to ensure that our fasting aligns with God’s purposes and is not merely a religious tradition without genuine spiritual significance.
Exodus 34:28
“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.”
This verse recounts Moses’ experience of fasting for forty days and nights as he communed with God and received the Ten Commandments. It portrays the spiritual discipline of fasting as a means of seeking divine revelation and guidance.
When we engage in secret fasting, we enter into a season of intensive seeking and communing with God, mirroring Moses’ example. Fasting becomes an opportunity to encounter God’s presence in a profound way, receiving His wisdom and direction for our lives.