We usually think of fasting as a 24 hour or multiple-day event. However, why can't there be many kinds of decisions/events throughout the day. Decisions to consciously, willfully, and deliberately deny ourselves something that may actually be neutral or normally OK. Denying ourselves food is only one form; denial of catching up on the latest news, or participating in a temporary recreational diversion such as a movie, game or sporting event, in order to use that time to pursue God more deliberately are other types of self-denial. Is this not also the heart and intent of fasting?
Luk 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Anything that Aids and increases our appetite, trust, and dependence on God is a good thing. Why?
Because God is the best "thing" we can pursue, receive, partake in, and experience. By denying ourselves things we normally find comforting, we focus in on God for comfort instead.
Our increasing union and full restoration to God (practically on a daily basis, not legally - which is already taken care of by Christ) is his primary aim in all things he allows and directs. Whether that involves "good" things or "bad" (as the world defines them).
Our redemption and reconciliation to God is the foundation on which this occurs. Because we are already Fully Restored to God legally - by Christ's efforts, not ours - we are now freed to focus on being fully restored to God practically in our daily lives/walk.
What aids and increases our dependence on God depends on us, our attitude, and disposition towards him.
That attitude is strengthened through our trust in God's love for us demonstrated to us in and through Christ's work on our behalf. That trust is strengthened by looking to God for comfort instead of other activities.
Pursuing God through prayer, fasting, fellowship, worship, and the various other means of grace He provides (and empowers us by), always aids in accomplishing this.
Whatever it is, God knows best and we should receive and participate in all things accordingly.
2 Cor 12:9 ...he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Intent is key
For a further discussion in doing things for the glory of God click here.
