Fasting is a powerful way to connect with God. Throughout the Bible, we see that when people fasted, God responded. Fasting is not just about staying away from food. It is about seeking God with all our hearts. It shows humility, faith, and dependence on Him.
Many great men and women in the Bible fasted, and each time, God answered them. But why does fasting attract God? Why does it move His heart? Here are seven reasons why fasting brings us closer to God and attracts His presence.
1. Fasting Shows Our Seriousness Before God
When we fast, we show God that we are serious about seeking Him. We deny ourselves food and other pleasures to focus on Him. This act of sacrifice pleases God and draws Him closer.
In Joel 2:12, God says:
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
This verse shows that fasting is a way to return to God. It is a sign that we truly want to be close to Him.
2. Fasting Humbles Us Before God
God loves a humble heart. When we fast, we lower ourselves before Him and acknowledge that we need His help. Fasting is a way to remove pride and depend on God completely.
In Psalm 35:13, David said:
“I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was returned to my own heart.”
David understood that fasting is a sign of humility. Those who humble themselves before God attract His presence.
3. Fasting Purifies Our Hearts and Brings Repentance
Sin separates us from God. When we fast, we ask God to cleanse our hearts. A pure heart attracts God’s presence.
In Jonah 3:5-10, the people of Nineveh fasted when they heard that God would destroy their city. They repented, and God forgave them.
“The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.” (Jonah 3:5)
This shows that fasting brings repentance, and when people truly turn to God, He draws near to them.
4. Fasting Shows Faith and Trust in God
God is pleased when we show faith. Fasting is a way to express our faith in Him. We deny our bodies and trust that God will sustain us and answer our prayers.
In Matthew 17:21, Jesus said:
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus was explaining that some spiritual battles require fasting. This means that fasting shows a deeper level of faith and dependence on God.
5. Fasting Removes Distractions and Helps Us Focus on God
Many times, life is full of distractions. We are busy with work, entertainment, and social activities. These things can take our focus away from God.
When we fast, we put everything aside and give God our full attention. This draws Him closer to us.
In Luke 2:37, the Bible talks about a woman named Anna who was always in the temple fasting and praying:
“And this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Because of her dedication, she was one of the first people to recognize Jesus as the Savior.
6. Fasting Aligns Us with God’s Will
Many times, we pray for things that are not in God’s plan for us. When we fast, our hearts become sensitive to His will.
In Acts 13:2-3, the early church fasted before making important decisions:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
This shows that fasting helps us hear from God. It guides us to make the right decisions according to His plan.
7. Fasting Brings Answers to Prayers
One of the biggest reasons why fasting attracts God is that it moves Him to answer prayers. Many people in the Bible fasted, and God responded to them.
In Daniel 10:2-3, 12, Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days. Then, an angel came to him and said:
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”
This verse shows that fasting moves God to send answers. Sometimes, when prayers seem delayed, fasting brings the breakthrough.
Conclusion
Fasting attracts God because it shows our seriousness, humility, and faith. It brings repentance, helps us focus on God, aligns us with His will, and brings answers to prayers.
The Bible is full of examples of how fasting brought people closer to God and changed their lives. When we fast with a sincere heart, God sees our sacrifice and responds.
If you have never fasted before, consider doing it. Whether it is for a day, three days, or more, fasting is a powerful way to attract God into your life.
