This chapter contrasts selfish fasting and God-honoring fasting. In Biblical context, fasting is the practice of abstaining from food (and sometimes water) for a time in order to draw nearer to the heart of God.
” ‘Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn… your righteousness shall go before you… Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, “Here I am.” ‘ ” (v6-9a abr)
God is frustrated with the people because they are fasting and then complaining that God isn’t listening to their prayers. Their problem is: “in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure…”. God condemns their flawed fasting, and then explains proper fasting.
Personally, I struggle to fast because I get hypoglycemic and cease to function properly (even from missing a single meal). Physical / medical limitations aside, proper fasting is a God-honoring practice. Jesus Himself fasted, and spoke about how to fast (see Mt 4:1-11, 6:16-18). He was clear that this practice was for God’s honor and glory, not our own, and that the Holy Spirit would guide each person while they fast.
I suggest we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and if He leads us to fast, we should do so (assuming we’re physically / medically able). Who knows what blessings God may bestow on those around us, or how close we will grow to Him, when we obey His leading? We won’t know what’s on the other side of our obedience until we do it.
Father God, our Wise and Discerning Father, thank you for the gift of Your leadership. Please give us wisdom and guidance to know if / when we should fast, and how to best spend that time to Your glory. May we prayerfully love those around us, and humble ourselves, for Your service. We wish to serve You with all of our hearts, strength, souls, and minds, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training