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NASB | Nehemiah 1:4 ¶ When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Nehemiah 1:4 ¶ Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying [constantly] before the God of heaven. |
Bible Question: What is the spiritual significance of fasting? How often do Christians fast? What role does fasting play in a Christian's spiritual walk? |
Bible Answer: Hi Nolan: I have fasted only a couple of times - it was for the specific purpose of focusing upon the Lord in my distress. To me, a fast is a way to concentrate solely upon the Lord's sufficiency; it heightens my awareness of my absolute need of Him. I personally feel that it is a private matter between the believer and the Lord. (Mt.6:16-18) I looked at scriptures on fasting using the search function and most fasting seems to be a response of a humble and repentant heart. In instances where I have chosen to fast, there was a HUGE degree of grief associated with it - mourning for loss, weeping over sin that separates, etc. In one instance, God honored my request, but that was not the most siginificant thing about the experience of the fast. He met me in the pit of despair and raised my head above the level of my tears; showered me with His tender love and mercy. God has been so faithful to "lift me up!" The church I attend called upon the people to fast for a specific request before the Lord. So, people fasted and prayed, and God said, "No." I suspect that many became disillusioned and disappointed. I believe that without Godly wisdom and instruction, a fast should never called for as otherwize it could be seen as a "mantra" or a talisman to "get our own way." (I am not suggesting that this would ever be your interpretation!) I am glad that you asked the question for it will be interesting to read how others approach this subject. |