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If God Already Knows What We Need, Why Does He Ask Us to Fast?
When people hear the word fasting, they often think about going without food.
But if God already knows our needs, why would He ask us to fast? Is fasting simply about giving something up, or is there a deeper purpose?
The scriptures teach that fasting is much more than going without food. It is about turning our hearts to God with humility and faith. Jesus taught, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). By setting aside our physical needs for a time, we learn to depend more fully on the Lord. Fasting becomes an expression of faith, trust, and devotion.
That is why fasting has been part of God's work throughout history.
How Did Jesus Teach Us to Fast?
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ taught that fasting should never become a way to seek attention or praise from others.
He said:
"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance... But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret." (Matthew 6:16–18)
In the Savior's day, some people intentionally made themselves look sad and neglected their appearance so others would notice that they were fasting and praise them for being religious. Jesus taught that true fasting is different. It is a personal act of worship between us and Heavenly Father, not something we do to gain the approval of others.
When we fast with sincere hearts, our focus shifts from ourselves to God. Instead of seeking recognition from people, we seek guidance, strength, and a closer relationship with Him.
What Kind of Fast Does God Accept?
Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord explained that true fasting is much more than abstaining from food.
He asked:
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free." (Isaiah 58:6)
The Lord also taught us to share our bread with the hungry, care for those in need, and show compassion to others (see Isaiah 58:7).
This teaches an important principle. Fasting does involve giving something up for a time, but its purpose goes much deeper. As we willingly sacrifice physical comforts, God works to change our hearts. A sincere fast teaches humility, increases our compassion, and helps us become more like Jesus Christ.
What Can We Learn from People Who Fasted?
Throughout the scriptures, God's people turned to fasting when they needed the Lord's help.
Before approaching the king to save her people, Queen Esther asked the Jews to fast with her. Together they sought God's guidance and strength before facing what seemed like an impossible situation (see Esther 4:16).
Before beginning His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1–2). His example shows that spiritual preparation comes before sacred work, and that relying on God gives us strength to overcome temptation.
When the people of Nineveh heard Jonah's warning, they humbled themselves through fasting and repentance. Their fasting showed that they sincerely wanted to turn away from their sins and seek God's mercy (see Jonah 3:5–10).
Although their circumstances were different, they all had one thing in common they trusted God more than themselves.
Why Do We Fast Today?
The purpose of fasting has never changed.
We fast to draw closer to Heavenly Father, seek His guidance, strengthen our faith, and humble our hearts before Him. Fasting helps quiet the distractions of daily life so we can better recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
As Isaiah taught, true fasting also changes the way we treat others. As our hearts become more like Christ's, we naturally become more compassionate, more willing to help those in need, and more eager to serve with love.
More Than Going Without Food
Fasting is much more than missing a meal.
It is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It teaches us to trust Him when we seek answers, depend on Him when we feel weak, and remember that our greatest source of strength comes from Him.
When we fast with sincere prayer and a willing heart, the Lord changes us from the inside out. Our faith grows stronger, our hearts become more humble, and we become more willing to follow His will.
Rather than asking us simply to give up food for a time, God invites us to draw nearer to Him. As we do, fasting becomes a sacred opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Him, become more like Jesus Christ, and allow our faith to shape the way we live every day.
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