Isaiah 58 speaks on fasting in a different light.
” In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
5 Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the LORD?
6 ” Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.‘
God seems to give a completely different perspective on fasting. He says that we are to break off the heaviness and affliction and bondage of those that need it. That is fasting. It is not tormenting one’s own soul.
This takes great reflection. When I have fasted away from food, I have seen God move in great ways. What then is He saying. He took me to this chapter the day before I started this fast. Now, I wonder if He doesnt want me focusing on LOVING others and breaking them free rather than denying my own soul.
Father, please give me wisdom and revelation here.
In the mighty name of Jesus!