Fasting: A Path to Deeper Connection with God

Devotional

Day 1: Fasting Is About Deepening Our Connection with God

Fasting is not about outward appearances or impressing others, but about humbling ourselves before God and seeking a deeper relationship with Him. When we fast, we are invited to set aside our physical desires and focus on our spiritual hunger, allowing God to fill us in ways that food or other comforts never could. This act of worship is done in secret, not for the applause of people, but to draw near to our Father who sees what is done in private and promises to reward us with His presence and guidance. Fasting is a way to say, "God, I need more of You," and to let Him be the true source of our strength and satisfaction. [33:42]

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been seeking approval or comfort from others instead of seeking a deeper connection with God? What would it look like to pursue God in secret this week, simply for the sake of knowing Him more?

Day 2: True Sustenance Comes from God’s Word

Jesus teaches us that our deepest needs are not met by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. In moments of hunger, temptation, or need, we are reminded that God’s Word is our true nourishment and strength. Fasting helps us train our hearts to depend on God’s promises and presence rather than our physical cravings. When we choose to let God’s Word be our sustenance, we find a deeper satisfaction and clarity that the world cannot offer, and we learn to let Him guide our decisions and desires. [55:42]

Matthew 4:1-4 (ESV)
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.' But he answered, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Reflection: When you feel a craving or desire today—whether for food, comfort, or distraction—can you pause and ask God to fill you with His Word instead? What specific promise or truth from Scripture do you need to meditate on right now?

Day 3: Fasting as an Act of Humility and Dependence

Throughout Scripture, fasting is a way for God’s people to humble themselves, seek His guidance, and express their dependence on Him. Whether facing a major decision, seeking forgiveness, or longing for God’s direction, fasting is a posture of surrender that says, “God, I need You more than anything else.” It is not about earning God’s favor, but about aligning our hearts with His will and inviting Him to lead us. When we fast and pray, we open ourselves to God’s answers—sometimes in ways we expect, and sometimes in ways we do not—but always with the assurance that He is faithful to meet us in our need. [39:10]

Ezra 8:21-23 (ESV)
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, 'The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.' So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty."

Reflection: Is there a decision, challenge, or area of your life where you need to humble yourself and seek God’s guidance? How might you set aside time today to fast from something and intentionally ask for His direction?

Day 4: Fasting Frees Us from the Control of Our Cravings

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us break free from the things that so easily control us—whether it’s food, social media, entertainment, or other comforts. By choosing to deny ourselves, we learn to let God’s Spirit lead us rather than our fleshly desires. This practice cultivates self-control and reminds us that nothing should enslave us except the love of Christ. As we fast, we discover that God is able to meet our deepest needs and that true freedom comes from surrendering our appetites to Him. [01:00:13]

1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

Reflection: What is one habit, craving, or comfort that tends to dominate your attention or time? Are you willing to fast from it for a day and invite God to fill that space with His presence?

Day 5: God Draws Near When We Seek Him with a Genuine Heart

God promises to draw near to those who humble themselves and seek Him sincerely—not out of duty or for show, but out of a true desire to know Him. When we let go of the things that distract or numb us, and come to God with honest hearts, He meets us, lifts us up, and fills us with His grace. Fasting is one way to express this longing for God, to mourn the things that have pulled us away, and to experience the joy of being lifted up by His love. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us, offering the fullness of life that only He can give. [01:10:20]

James 4:8-10 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: What is one thing you need to let go of or grieve before God today so that you can draw nearer to Him? How can you make space in your day to seek Him with a genuine and humble heart?

Sermon Summary

We all know the feeling of leaving the house and suddenly realizing we’ve forgotten something essential—our phone, our keys. That moment of panic and the urgent search that follows reveals just how much we depend on these things. But do we have the same urgency and longing for our connection with God? Is time with Him something we can’t imagine leaving behind, or is it something we sometimes forget in the rush of daily life? This is why prayer—and specifically, the practice of prayer combined with fasting—matters so deeply.

Prayer is not a ritual to get what we want, but a relationship freely given to us through Christ. We are invited to approach God with confidence, not just to have our needs met, but to experience the fullness of life He intends for us. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us to start with relationship—“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”—and to be amazed that we can call upon Him at all. But God calls us to more than just the basics; He invites us to deeper, more dangerous prayers, to persistent seeking, and to putting Him first in all things.

Fasting, as seen throughout Scripture, is a powerful way to humble ourselves, seek God’s guidance, and demonstrate our dependence on Him. It’s not about outward appearances or earning spiritual points, but about an inward hunger for God that surpasses even our physical hunger. Fasting is an act of worship, a way of saying, “God, I want You to fill me more than anything else.” Whether it’s Moses fasting for guidance, Esther calling her people to fast for deliverance, or Jesus Himself fasting in the wilderness, the heart of fasting is always about drawing near to God and letting Him be our sustenance.

In our culture, fasting is often associated with health benefits, but biblically, its purpose is spiritual: to feast on God, to let Him be our provider, and to break the hold that lesser cravings have on us. Fasting can take many forms—not just from food, but from anything that distracts us from God, like social media, entertainment, or even shopping. The goal is not deprivation for its own sake, but to create space for God to move, speak, and satisfy us in ways nothing else can.

When we fast, we’re invited to start slow, to be honest about our motives, and to seek God’s presence above all. Fasting is not a duty, but a tool—a way to say, “God, I want more of You.” And as we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us, to lift us up, and to fill us with the life only He can give.

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Key Takeaways

1. Fasting is About Relationship, Not Ritual Fasting is not a spiritual transaction to get what we want from God, nor is it about impressing others with our devotion. It is a humble act of worship, a way to express our deep need for God and to draw near to Him in sincerity. When we fast, we are invited to seek God’s presence and guidance, not just His gifts, and to let our hunger for Him surpass all other desires. [33:42]
2. Fasting Exposes and Reorders Our Appetites Our cravings—whether for food, comfort, entertainment, or distraction—often reveal what we truly depend on. Fasting is a way to confront these appetites, to say “no” to the things that control us, and to say “yes” to God’s Spirit leading us. It is a practice that helps us regain balance, develop self-control, and allow God to be the one who satisfies and sustains us. [59:22]
3. Fasting is Feasting on God’s Word and Will Jesus modeled fasting not as deprivation, but as a way to be nourished by God’s Word and to do the Father’s will. In the wilderness, He declared, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Fasting teaches us to let God’s promises and purposes fuel us, especially in times of decision, temptation, or need. [55:42]
4. Fasting is a Tool for Spiritual Clarity and Breakthrough Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted in times of crisis, decision, or repentance—not to manipulate God, but to humble themselves and seek His direction. Fasting creates space for God to speak, to break strongholds, and to bring clarity where there is confusion. It is a way to align our hearts with His, to let go of lesser things, and to receive the guidance and freedom He offers. [46:06]
5. Fasting Can Be Both Personal and Communal While Jesus warns against fasting for show, there is also a place for corporate fasting—coming together as a community to seek God’s will and intercede for others. Whether practiced alone or with others, fasting is most powerful when it is rooted in genuine desire for God, honest motives, and a willingness to let Him lead. Solidarity in fasting can bring encouragement, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose as we seek God together. [76:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:05] - The Urgency of Connection with God
[30:01] - Fasting: Health Trends vs. Spiritual Practice
[31:40] - Defining Biblical Fasting
[33:42] - Fasting for Relationship, Not Recognition
[34:35] - Fasting as Worship and Dependence
[35:59] - The Purpose and Posture of Fasting
[39:10] - Old Testament Examples: Moses, Ezra, Esther
[46:06] - Fasting in Times of Crisis and Decision
[48:16] - Corporate Fasting and Seeking God’s Will
[50:05] - The Heart of Fasting: Isaiah 58
[55:42] - Jesus’ Fast and the Power of God’s Word
[59:22] - Fasting, Self-Control, and Modern Distractions
[68:09] - Jesus’ Teaching: Fasting in Secret
[72:18] - Practical Steps for Fasting
[76:56] - The Power of Fasting Together
[78:45] - Fasting as a Path to Deeper Relationship with God
[80:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.”

- Matthew 4:1-4
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

- James 4:8-10
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 6:16-18, what does Jesus say about the way we should fast, and what is the reward for fasting in secret?
In Matthew 4:1-4, how does Jesus respond to the devil’s temptation after fasting, and what does this reveal about what truly sustains us?
What does James 4:8-10 say will happen when we humble ourselves and draw near to God?
The sermon mentioned several Old Testament examples of fasting (like Moses, Ezra, Esther). What were some of the reasons these people fasted?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes fasting “in secret” rather than for public recognition? What does this say about the heart behind fasting?
When Jesus says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,” what does that mean for how we approach our needs and desires?
The sermon talked about fasting as a way to “expose and reorder our appetites.” What are some things (besides food) that can take God’s place in our lives, and how might fasting help with this?
In James 4, the promise is that God will “lift you up” when you humble yourself. How does fasting help us practice humility and dependence on God?

Application Questions

The sermon started with the idea of urgently searching for our phone or keys when we forget them, but not always having that same urgency for time with God. What is one practical way you could make your connection with God more of a “can’t leave home without it” priority this week?
Fasting isn’t just about food. The pastor mentioned fasting from things like social media, entertainment, or shopping. Is there something in your life right now that distracts you from God? What would it look like to fast from it for a day or a week?
When you think about your motives for prayer or fasting, are you more focused on getting something from God or on simply being with Him? How could you shift your focus to relationship over results?
The sermon said, “Fasting is feasting on God’s Word and will.” If you were to set aside a meal or a distraction to spend time with God, what would you do during that time to “feast” on Him? (For example: reading Scripture, praying, worship, journaling.)
The pastor encouraged starting slow with fasting and being honest about your motives. If you’ve never fasted before, what is one small step you could take this week to try it? (For example: skipping one meal, turning off your phone for an evening, or giving up a favorite show.)
Fasting can be done alone or with others. Is there someone you could invite to join you in a fast for a specific need or to seek God together? How might fasting with others encourage you?
The sermon said, “Fasting is not a duty, but a tool—a way to say, ‘God, I want more of You.’” What is one area of your life where you want to experience more of God’s presence or guidance? How could fasting help you seek Him in that area?

Sermon Clips

Is our time with God something that we seek after and make sure that we have, that we don't miss, that we're taking him with us wherever we go? Now, it's different. We don't have to, like, you know, when I was in high school, I had this little King James Version New Testament Bible that was always in my back pocket whenever, ever since I got it my sophomore year, all through high school, I had it in my back pocket. It was always there. I couldn't carry my Bible on my phone. You guys can carry it on your phone, so I know sometimes your Bible is your phone. But, you know, taking God, you know, I know that we want to stuff him in our pocket just for whenever we need him. But are we taking him? Is he something we can't leave the house without? [00:23:11] (40 seconds)

Fasting can't be about the exterior applause or noticing of other people. Fasting is about our connection with God. He says in secret, I know we're fasting today and we advertised it, so we'll get there too, and corporate fasting, how that works. But he says in secret, because it's about that relationship with him. And there's a reward that comes with that. There's something that God wants to do in our lives when we give ourselves to him fully. Not just mentally, not just emotionally, but also physically. [00:33:30] (37 seconds)

But more importantly, fasting is an act of worship. It's a time where, again, we humble ourselves, deny ourselves of what we think is our basic need, and it is physically to some degree, right? But it's forsaking our hunger, and in that, desiring more of him. God, I'm doing this because I want to know you more. I'm doing this because I want to know what you desire more. I'm doing this because I have no clue what I'm doing, but I need more. [00:35:37] (33 seconds)

Because if fasting is only about getting what you need, you're missing out the fact of what you need. We're fasting because we need more of God. First, God, I'm here because I'm not hearing you, and I need more of you. Yes, I have this problem. It's important, but it should be secondary. [00:37:47] (22 seconds)

My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. That's what fuels him and drives him and sustains him. And that's our example. We want to become like Christ. Now, did Jesus eat? Yeah, we know that. His first miracle was at a party, right? He enjoys that. He had a last supper with his disciples. It's not like he doesn't eat, but he knows that what's more important at the moment is what God has before him. [00:58:18] (30 seconds)

Fasting teaches us that we don't need to race for the next comfort. Fasting teaches us that God will give us what we need in the moment if God's calling us to a fast if we choose the fast we're asking god then to meet the need and when that hunger's there that is meant for us then to pray and look to him and that's what that whole idea between prayer and fasting is and god said and we read earlier we'll reward you he wants to if we'll show devotion to him he wants to now is his answer always what we want no does he want to do what's good for us yes so we look to him and we don't allow other things to control us that's what the next part is we we let his word sustain us and then help fasting helps us to keep our balance in our life it's that self -control part of the fruits of the spirit it's allowing us to know that that our cravings can't control us our fleshy cravings can't be the things that control us. [01:00:25] (58 seconds)

If you're doing it for show, that's all you'll get from God. If you're doing it because you want to fit in, that's all you're going to get. You might get to fit into that occurrence. But what Jesus is saying to his disciples is, I want more for you. I want more for you. [01:07:53] (18 seconds)

God wants you to have a different appetite for things that are going to fill your soul and deepen your relationship with him. And so just maybe take that time today at lunch, if you're not going to, if you're going to join us in the fast and just, God, is there something I need to give over to you? No. Ask God just about fasting. Guys, there's something I need to do. [01:17:57] (25 seconds)

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