Spiritual benefits of fasting Fasting is a time-honored technique that has existed in hundreds of major religious and spiritual traditions throughout history. In recent years, science and medical fields also considered fasting as effective for the overall health of the people. Apart from the physical, fasting has many spiritual values for anyone who wishes to engage in it, which can greatly enhance one’s life.
Detoxification and Clarity
During fasting food does not undergo the digestive process in the body and the body can begin the process of eliminating toxins accumulated. This purging process extends even to physical purification as well as cleansing of the mind. Some people can experience headaches while on a fast and feel clear-headed and lighter after the period of fasting. By eliminating the tiredness that results from foods that have been processed to the extent that they almost lose their nutritional value and the drowsiness that is made from constant snacking, our minds become more lively.
Connection with the Divine
Prayer has often been accompanied by fasting and starvation in many religious cultures in the past. Thus, the notion of fasting makes us free from any surrounding interferences and helps us focus on the spiritual side of life. In this way, for some time, leaving those desires of the flesh and seeking after truth, we open ourselves up for receiving revelation. Fasting has been a method of spiritual practice in many religions and traditions and several mystics, prophets, and saints have reported receiving visions and divine revelation while fasting.
Self-Discipline
To fast means to deny self in ways that usually do not need to be thought of as a choice. In doing that, we develop our spiritual strength to avoid giving in to sinful temptations and indulging in things that are not good for us. The benefits of mental discipline that come with fasting can be used to advance in other areas of life from the elimination of undesirable habits right up to concentration during work. Fasting forges in us the understanding that we do not need to bow down to our appetites and that with God’s help, we can conquer our thoughts and desires.
Greater Appreciation
Fasting by its nature makes one more appreciative of simple things in life given that they are enjoyed without a second thought. When we are fasting, for instance, in a particular period, it becomes easier to appreciate the food that we have. Fasting allows us to appreciate the meals we usually take since we have denied ourselves food for some time. This is a biblical principle because when one avoids lawful things, such as food or sex, for some time, he or she can better enjoy them when returns to them.
The little extra time and money that you may have can be spent in the care of others which may include children or other relatives who may be sick or in need of such assistance.
Fasting denies us the resources that could otherwise be utilized by the body in its everyday functions. This saves time that usually would be spent on eating which in turn is spent in prayer, reading the Bible, and in charities. Donating for food is a way to contribute to the less fortunate when we can no longer afford to dine out. When we fast we can show care to the needy and also uphold the vision of the Lord’s stewardship over the resources on earth.
Deeper Intimacy with God
Fasting draws hunger and thirst for God and spiritual things and in the process, one is made to learn to depend on God alone. They help to remove interference and strengthen our longing to communicate with the divine. In the previous centuries, fasting has normally been carried along with times of intensified evangelism and miraculous events. Maybe this is so because fasting aligns our spirit to stand in humility to allow for more of God’s ability and favor to be received.
Conclusion
Fortunately, spiritual benefits of fasting have been practiced for generations, and there are good grounds for this tradition in the world’s major religions. Fasting, therefore, is simply putting aside for a while the world’s food and enjoying the food that endures unto life eternal. Fasting leads to getting a breakthrough from lethargy spiritually and brings spiritual awakening individually and collectively. If for some time you have not participated in any spiritual fasts, now may be the best time to resume. It is quite amazing what God can do within a short time of abstaining from food.
Divine Wordsmith is a spiritual guide and writer, weaving tales of wisdom and insight to inspire inner growth and connection to the divine. Join the journey of self-discovery and enlightenment through the transformative power of words.
