As You Fast

The Physiological And Spiritual Principles Of Fasting

Amy Malphrus MD, Rev. William E. Malphrus

• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781098065539
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Denominations

Fasting is the practice of the voluntary cessation of nutrient intake for a set period of time. The Bible has multiple references to fasting, and the medical literature has numerous examples of the benefits of fasting. This book reviews the physical benefits of fasting. The manner in which fasting impacts some organ systems and disease processes are reviewed as well as what happens during the physiological process of fasting.This book also reviews the scriptural references to fasting in both the Old and New Testaments. The biblical indications for fasting are explained.The reader will see how the two overlap. The goal is to promote an understanding of spiritual fasting while also understanding the physiologic mechanisms associated with fasting and how the two possibly relate to each other. Once completed, the reader will have a better understanding of both the physical and spiritual principles of fasting.

Chapter 10

Some Concluding Observations

Depriving oneself of food for specified times may be physically helpful but may not automatically have spiritual benefits. The correct motive and attitude are needed for both physical and spiritual fasting.

Physiologic fasting that could affect underlying health issues should always proceed under the care of a physician, and religious fasting should always be consistent with the teachings of the Bible.

There are some situations that arise in life that seem so vital to address that one would deem them more important than life itself. Therefore, one may fast from life-sustaining elements (food and/or drink) in order to focus on a higher priority—something that is worth more than one’s physical life.

When fasting, the need for food also reminds a person of the need for spiritual food, that which the Bible calls the “bread of life” (John 6:35).

As the body grows weaker from fasting, the believer becomes aware of a dependence on the provision of a life-sustaining substance; thus, one is impressed by his own humanity and responds in humility.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25–34), Jesus promises His followers that God would provide the essentials for physical life. Fasting allows the believer to explore the boundaries of his trust in the promises of God to provide those essentials.

True spiritual fasting is focused and intentional; therefore, it can result in a deeper and more meaningful awareness of God and His will for the believer.

The Bible describes human characteristics (“the flesh” which is influenced by sight, taste and pride) as the primary tools of Satan to divert the attention of the believer from a dynamic relationship with God (see Genesis 3:6, Galatians 5:16–17, 1 John 2:15–16). Fasting subjects the flesh to the desire to focus on God and not on self. This attitude opens the way for repentance, renewal, and obedience. It might be said that fasting “starves the flesh” in order to feed the soul.

Spiritual fasting associated with mourning occurs, at times, in the Bible. The primary thrust seems to be deep sorrow over an event or circumstance. The benefit for the believer would be the expression of deep sorrow for a sin or for sinfulness, resulting in repentance and a plea for forgiveness. Fasting and mourning would be symbolic to indicate the loss of something or someone that is more important than your life.

Similar to physiologic fasting, spiritual fasting is not a normal part of daily life, so engaging in a spiritual fast would indicate that something is wrong and that an extraordinary remedy would be necessary or helpful.

Spiritual fasting for the Christian is not a direct command of Christ or of the other New Testament writers, nor are believers given a manual for its observance. However, spiritual fasting remains a powerful and meaningful option for the believer in living the Christian life to its fullest.

Glossary

cortical. Referring to the cortex/gray matter in the nervous system.

epilepsy. Recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

fasting. Willfully refraining from caloric intake for a set period of time.

glucose. Also known as “blood sugar.” A simple sugar used as a source of fuel and found in carbohydrates.

glycogen. A stored form of energy that is broken down into glucose.

hippocampus. A brain structure deep in the temporal lobes that is responsible for learning, memory, and other functions.

mitochondria. An organelle found inside most cells responsible for energy production and regulate metabolism.

neuron. Basic cellular unit of the brain.

neuronal plasticity. Ability of a neuron to change or adapt function in response to a change in environment.

neuroprotective. Protective of the nervous system, its function, and its structures.

stroke. Injury to the brain, either through lack of blood flow or bleeding.

synapse. A junction of two nerve cells with a gap to allow for communication either via chemically (neurotransmitters) or electrically.

synaptic plasticity. The changes that occur in the communication between two neurons. It aids in learning and memory.

synaptic signaling. The mechanism by which two neurons communicate or transmit a signal.

References

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Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for ‘Fasting’. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/f/fasting.html.1991)

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Table of contents

• Physiology of Fasting
• Methods of Spiritual Fasting
• What Spiritual Fasting Is Not
• Etymology of the Word Fasting
• Fasting in the Old Testament
• Fasting and the Jewish Fast Days
• Fasting in the New Testament
• Fasting and Prayer
• Some Associations of Physiologic and Spiritual Fasting
• Some Concluding Observations