Next month marks the start of Lent, a season of fasting, repentance, and reflection. Christians around the world observe Ash Wednesday by applying ashes to their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a symbol of contrition and repentance. This marks the beginning of a 40-day period leading up to Easter. During this time, believers typically fast or abstain from certain foods or drinks.

A brief history of Ash Wednesday and Lent shows that the tradition began around the 11th century to commemorate Christ’s resurrection. Ash Wednesday marks the period of fasting that Jesus undertook before His death (Matthew 4:1-11). The ashes symbolize our mortality and remind us that we are sinners in need of a Savior. The following 40 days are meant to help believers draw closer to God by removing distractions and excess.

In recent years, many Christians have expanded their fasts to include more than just food and drink, incorporating abstention from things like social media and entertainment. This shift reflects a desire to remove the noise and busyness of modern life.

In his book “Celebration of Discipline,” author Richard Foster writes, “In a culture where the landscape is dotted with shrines to the Golden Arches and an assortment of Pizza Temples, fasting seems out of place, out of step with the times.” Indeed, in an age where almost  everything we could ever want is available at the touch of a button, the idea of going without feels increasingly countercultural. Since Foster first wrote “Celebration of Discipline” in 1978, humanity has progressed to the point of “on demand” everything. Although the world may be at our fingertips, we barely have to lift a finger to do anything anymore. A simple voice command can turn on our lights, adjust the temperature in our homes, and even order delivery.

Given these modern comforts, we might ask, “What should fasting look like in the 21st century?” Fasting in Jesus’ time was meant to simplify life, to focus more intently on the spiritual. If we apply that same principle today, we might consider fasting from anything that distracts us from deepening our spiritual lives. 

When we fast from food and drink, we echo the words of Jesus in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In fasting, we are reminded of God’s provision, as Jesus also says in Matthew 7:9-11: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Foster writes, “…in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting!”

Foster continues, “More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.” When we remove food or drink from our lives for a specific period, we become aware of how central those things may be to our daily routine, and how they sometimes take priority over the things of God. Many of us wouldn’t admit to being enslaved by our electronic devices or entertainment choices, but what happens when we remove them from our lives for a time? How much time is freed up? Do you notice a difference?

The extra time can be used for prayer and reading and meditating on Scripture, which helps foster a closer relationship with the Lord. In Isaiah 55, the prophet offers a promise for those who earnestly seek God:

“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.”

Isaiah 55:10-11 The Message

For those considering a fast from food or drink, it’s important to approach it with moderation. Start slowly and listen to your body. Consult a physician, if possible, to ensure that you’re physically prepared for the fast.

Spiritually, expect the unexpected when you fast. Foster reminds us that “fasting can bring breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that will never happen in any other way.” When we declutter our lives from distractions, we create space for God to do wonderful things. Eternal things. Allow God to speak to you during your fast.

Finally, remember the wise counsel of Jesus: “When you fast, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They make their faces look sad to show people they are fasting. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward. So when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then people will not know that you are fasting, but your Father, whom you cannot see, will see you. Your Father sees what is done in secret, and he will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18 NCV).

Feast away!

This article was originally titled “Fasting as Feasting” in the February 2025 issue of The War Cry.