“I humbled myself with fasting…” (Ps. 35:13 NKJ).
Fasting is a form of self-denial. It is a cure for unbelief. It is a pride-deflator, because no one can be proud on an empty stomach. Fasting is part of the Christian discipline. It demonstrates that no appetite masters the Christian, no hunger dominates him. It reminds him, “I do not live to eat, I eat to live.”
The primary definition of fasting is “abstaining from food.” It also includes the denial of pleasure, leisure, recreation, and hobbies. It is self-imposed discipline so a person can concentrate on seeking the Lord.
There are partial fasts. In Daniel 1, we find the Hebrew children eating only pulse (vegetables) and water for ten days. Yet at the end of that time they looked better than those who had dined on the king’s fare. God blessed their self-denial openly and visibly.
Fasting is more conspicuous in the Old Testament than in the New. The Hebrews fasted on four different occasions:
1) times of grief and mourning (1 Sam. 31:13)
2) times of personal and national need (2 Chron. 20:3)
3) times of honest repentance of sin or failure (1 Kings 21:27)
4) commemorative days such as the day of atonement (Lev. 23:27)
In Jesus’ day, religious people expressed their zeal by fasting each Monday and Thursday (Luke 18:12). Jesus warned against the common practice of marking the face so others could see that one was fasting (Matt. 6:16-18).
It is not the denial of food or pleasure that makes fasting acceptable to God or helpful to the believer, rather, it is the attitude of the heart and the focus of attention upon the Lord that both pleases and prospers.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.