Why do we fast? David Platt

Why do disciples of Jesus fast?

Because our souls feast on the glory of God.

Fasting is an external expression of an internal reality.

When we fast for a meal or a day or week, we remind ourselves that more than our stomachs long for the pleasure of food, our souls long for the Presence of God.

We are satisfied in Him and by Him in a way that nothing in this world can compare to--not even the basic daily necessity of food.

Fasting makes sense as a discipline in the Christian life today only if it is connected with desire for Christ.

When we fast, we say, More than we want our hunger to cease, we want Your Kingdom to come!

--- From Follow Me, by David Platt


When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men that they are fasting.

I tell you the truth, 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 men 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.
   -- Matthew 6:16-18

When Your words showed up, I ate them -- swallowed them whole. What a feast! What a delight I took in being Yours, O God!
 -- Jeremiah 15:16 (The Message)


When we fast we are declaring that we want more of God -- that we want to feast on Him!