Moreover, when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Truly I say unto you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly. (Matthew 6:16-18)
Christ doesn't say, “if you fast” but says “when you fast”. In your efforts to please God and keep his commandments, do you find place to include some element of fasting?
When it comes to fasting, I believe we can fast more effectively by shutting of the things of this world and tuning into the things of God than we can by simply going hungry.
And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the holy ghost. (Matthew 5:6)
Fasting is about seeking after righteousness. How much we receive is directly related to the hunger and thirst we display. Fasting is a promised means for increasing the holy ghost in our life. It opens us to His spirit and allows us to know a matter through the power of the holy ghost.
It's a simple formula. When tried in sincerity, acting no hypocrisy, with real intent, it works. Half-hearted efforts are not so effective. Underlying the idea of the fast are two things: submission to God and aiding the poor. You can accomplish these purposes even if your chosen fast has nothing to do with food.
Still, our appetite for food is one of the most direct ways we can discipline the will of the body. It is in one’s thoughts, not his belly, where the real battle is fought. For someone who is unable to fast, but who can surrender some part of their diet — abstaining from all sweets, for example — it can serve the same purpose. For others, refraining from food and drink is possible without any danger to their health, but if they choose to do so for more than a day, then eating once in the evening allows the fast to continue the next day.
One may not be able to hunger and fast for many consecutive days. But by reducing one’s caloric intake and “living with fasting,” while still eating enough to subsist, one can subordinate the flesh to the spirit while still eating and maintaining health. Sometimes it takes days to receive an answer. Do not abandon the powerful tool of fasting. Instead, “fast” while eating enough for subsistence, and one’s purposes can be accomplished without jeopardy to health.
That said, to get the most out of your fasting, do it in a way that others will not notice and in turn admire so that the reward for doing so comes from God and not your fellow man.
