Ep 010: Why the Daniel Fast is More Than Just a Diet
I have a blog and book on the Daniel fast, and over the years, I've heard many criticisms that the Daniel Fast is not a true biblical fast because fasting should be only water, not eating. Another objection I've heard is that the Bible doesn't explicitly use the phrase “Daniel fast.”
So does the Daniel fast count, or have we watered down biblical fasting to make things more convenient and less sacrificial for people? And are pastors and people who promote the Daniel fast in error or teaching something false?
I sincerely wrestled with these questions. Read the Bible. Prayed. And I've also received lots of feedback and observations from my own online fasting community.
So here's my take on the Daniel fast — and I do think it has something to offer as a spiritual discipline, not just a diet. In this episode we’re going to share with you five reasons why.
Blog Posts:
>>> Read an extended blog post based on this podcast here.
More Resources
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Daniel Fast Journey Book on Amazon
Show Notes
What is the Biblical Fasting Journey?
Fasting is about drawing closer to God. The Bible highlights many different ways we can fast. Read 52+ Scriptures on Fasting in the Bible.
Fasting means going without food entirely; it means not eating.
Abstaining can mean choosing not to eat certain food items or to abstain from other activities.
We often use these terms interchangeably.
3 Primary Ways the Daniel Fast Encourages Our Journey:
Explore Different Types of Fasting: The Daniel Fast serves as a starting point for many, acting as a bridge to more intense fasting practices.
Better Eating Habits and Health Year-Round: Eliminating processed foods during the Daniel Fast often leads to long-term commitments to a healthier lifestyle.
Hearing God's Voice and Greater Intimacy: Fasting becomes a journey of spiritual discipline, fostering a deeper connection with the divine and experiencing freedom and breakthrough.
5 Reasons the Daniel Fast is a Powerful Spiritual Practice
1. Modern Fasting Differs From Biblical Fasting
Church history has shaped diverse fasting traditions, often involving abstaining from specific foods on holy days. The Daniel Fast aligns with a natural and logical first step for many, bridging the gap between constant feasting and a more traditional fast.
3 Examples of Fasting in Scripture:
Nehemiah, in the face of the broken walls of Jerusalem, fasted and prayed for strength and favor to rebuild (Nehemiah 1:4-11).
Confronted by a vast enemy army, King Jehoshaphat declared a fast, seeking God's intervention, and received strategy and assurance of victory (2 Chronicles 20:2-4, 15).
After Jonah preached to the city of Ninevah, they repented and fasted for three days (Jonah 3:5-10).
2. Three Verses in the Book of Daniel
The foundation of the Daniel Fast is rooted in three key scriptures from the Book of Daniel. These passages form the basis for the modern practice, emphasizing abstaining from certain foods for a specific duration.
"Please put your servants to the test for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink." (Daniel 1:12)
"So I gave myself to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes." (Daniel 9:3)
"In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed." (Daniel 10:2-3)
3. We Honor the Heart of Fasting
The heart of fasting is crucial. While methods and lengths matter, the primary focus should be on humility, obedience, and seeking the Lord. Motives supersede the strict adherence to dietary rules.
Read Isaiah chapter 58 for context.
4. We Fast in the Secret Place
Fasting should not be a public display but a private, intimate practice. Jesus emphasized the importance of fasting in secret, ensuring it is done for the right reasons and with a humble heart. It also protects us from unwarranted criticism.
Jesus said, "Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18)
5. We Fast Forward
Fasting is not a one-time endeavor; it's a lifelong spiritual practice. Embracing a regular rhythm of fasting, varying methods and durations, allows individuals to continually draw closer to the Lord.
Questions to ask yourself when fasting?
How can this fast move me forward?
How will this fast impact my spiritual health?
How will this fast impact my physical health?
How does this fast bring me closer to the Lord?
How do I fill myself spiritually as I fast?
Remember: Start where you are and do what you can; the Lord will increase your capacity as you go!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Daniel Fast proves to be more than a dietary regimen; it is a journey of spiritual exploration and growth. Testimonies abound of its transformative impact supply ample evidence that this a spiritual discipline that bears great fruit in peoples’ lives.
Ultimately, the Daniel Fast, when approached with the right heart, becomes a powerful tool for spiritual discipline and connection with the divine.
As believers navigate their own fasting journeys, the focus should remain on Jesus, keeping in mind that fasting is a privilege and an opportunity for profound transformation.