Alright, warriors, the tinsel's down, the eggnog's gone, and January is here. For many of us, that means one thing: resolutions. But let's be honest, how many of those last past, say, the second week? This year, let’s face our real foe: the one that keeps us from lasting change, from genuine spiritual growth.
I know some of you are diving headfirst into a spiritual fast right now. Churches are doing the January thing [1][2]. Maybe you're giving up sugar, social media, or that third cup of coffee. Good for you. Seriously. But let's make sure we're not just going through the motions. Fasting isn't about showing off how "holy" we are; it's about drawing closer to God [3].
Remember what Isaiah said? "‘Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?" (Isaiah 58:5, NIV) [4]. Ouch. That hits home, doesn't it?
Fasting, at its core, is about focus. It's about intentionally removing distractions so we can hear God's voice more clearly. It's about humbling ourselves and acknowledging our need for Him. It's not a spiritual diet plan to earn brownie points with our Lord.
But here's the thing: fasting without feasting is just deprivation. We can't just empty ourselves; we need to be filled. And that's where the Word comes in.
Instead of scrolling through endless feeds, crack open your Bible. Instead of numbing out with another episode, spend time in prayer. Feast on God's promises, His truth, His unwavering love.
Here are some verses to chew on during this time:
- Joel 2:12-13 (NIV): "'Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." [5][6]
- Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV): "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to others, but only to your Father, who is in secret; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." [3][6]
- Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV): "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for the homeless—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" [3][4]
So, as we kick off 2026, let's face our foe head-on. Let's fast with purpose, feast on truth, and live out our faith in a way that truly honors God.
Now go get 'em, warriors.
Learn more:
- 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting - The Foursquare Church
- 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting - Jesus Culture Sacramento
- 20 Powerful Bible verses about Fasting and Prayer (Insightful!) - Christian Walls
- Isaiah 58 NIV - True Fasting - “Shout it aloud, do - Bible Gateway
- 40 Scriptures for a 40 Day Fast - Wendy Speake
- 40 Bible Verses About Fasting and Scripture Guidelines
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