Fasting - Joel

Joel 1:14 (ESV)

Consecrate a fast;

call a solemn assembly.

Gather the elders

and all the inhabitants of the land

to the house of the LORD your God,

and cry out to the LORD.

God’s solution for the discipline due Israel for their disobedience was to fast.   The fast was a time of self-discipline to deny ones-self something for the purpose of focusing on God.   Although traditionally it was centered around food, it is not limited to food.  One can fast by giving up anything for the purpose of renewing their commitment, focus and/or duty toward God.  In this case Joel told the nation to fast because the Day of the Lord had come and with it, discipline.  He wanted the nation to repent and fasting was the beginning of that repentance.   This fast, however, was not to be done out of compulsion and/or tradition, in a legalistic manner.  Note what Joel will write in next chapter:

Joel 2:12-14 (ESV)

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

and rend your hearts and not your garments.”

Return to the LORD your God,

for he is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;

and he relents over disaster.

Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,

and leave a blessing behind him,

a grain offering and a drink offering

for the LORD your God?

When God declares a fast or we choose to fast it is to be a fast of our hearts, not the outer showing of faith.  It is the inner faith toward God that is to be renewed.  Jesus said it this way:

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

We are to fast.  But the fast is not a simply act of compliance. It is an act of worship to declare our allegiance toward God and to focus on our walk and fellowship with God.