Question about fasting

[Equipped_4_Love]

Is it normal to get depressed, and feel like you're farther away from God, when you're fasting....which is weird, because I'm on this fast to get closer to Him.

I'm thinking that it's not working.

[Bandit]

Hello,

No, this is not normal (or is not how it is suppose to work). Perhaps you are fasting for the wrong reason(s), or with the wrong expectations. I would recommend reading Isaiah 58. Fasting has its place, but it is not intended to replace other things, like loving the LORD with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. If something else is out of whack, fasting is not likely to fix the problem. I hope you find out what is amiss.

[-SEEKING-]

What exactly are you doing while you are fasting? Specifically

[Equipped_4_Love]

I've been having a lot of problems with my thought life -- a lot of things that come to my mind that shouldn't be there, and that do not please God. I also have had a very bad attitude lately.....sort of hateful and grouchy, and I have no idea why. I am fasting in order to seek answers and clarification, and perhaps gain some insight on why I'm having this struggle...I also desperately want to grow closer to God.
I've also been going to prayer meetings every night at my church, in addition to the fast. I've been praying much, and reading His word.

Am feeling very depressed -- today was the apex. I feel a deep sense of sorrow, and it just seems like God is further from me than I had hoped. Today, He seemed so far away, and I just felt so glum.

I want to eat, but I don't want to break this fast. I really need to hearfrom the lord. This is the third day. Is this normal? Perhaps I am just being attacked.

[Dani H]

Maybe it's your blood sugar? Are you doing water only? Try some juice ...

The purpose of fasting is to spend the time we'd otherwise spend thinking about and preparing and eating food, with the Lord. And to let our grumbly tumblies be a reminder of those less fortunate, to pray for them and be there for them. And to focus on others and not ourselves.

[Equipped_4_Love]

Maybe it's your blood sugar? Are you doing water only? Try some juice ...

Well, ya -- I'm trying to do water only, along with my morning coffee. I've been having a couple of pieces of bread at night, though, so I don't feel sick, but other than that, ya, just water.
Perhaps you're right about the blood sugar thing. Should I trust God to keep me healthy while I seek Him, or do I need to supplement my fast?

The purpose of fasting is to spend the time we'd otherwise spend thinking about and preparing and eating food, with the Lord. And to let our grumbly tumblies be a reminder of those less fortunate, to pray for them and be there for them. And to focus on others and not ourselves.

Well, I've been trying to fast throughout the day -- even those times when I normally wouldn't be preparing food, anyhow. I don't usually eat lunch, but I've been skipping dinner. I spend virtually all of my time seeking the Lord, even without fasting, but I thought the purpose of fasting was to deprive your flesh, so that you could properly feed the spirit. I've been trying to really get in touch with God.
This is my last day, but I must say, I think this fasting has made me depressed. I would think it would be just the opposite, so I'm a little confused.

[Dani H]

Don't be discouraged. Fasting is a discipline, after all. You may not see the fruit of it until later. Nothing we do to honor God, goes unnoticed. And especially if this is your first time fasting, then no worries. I've done fasts where I didn't notice much during, except for my body complaining but I did it anyway because I knew God wanted me to do it, for His own reasons. There have been other fasts where things happened during or immediately after, but not always. It's all good.

I've seen fasting portrayed as a means to "paint God into a corner" meaning "I'm fasting and therefore God HAS to do something". No, He doesn't. Fasting is just another expression of our fellowship with Him and something we do voluntarily as a way to deny the constant cravings of our bodies and pay attention to Him and gain authority over the enemy ("this kind doesn't come out except by fasting and prayer"), among other things.

If your sense of depression lifts after you have something to eat then it's possible that it's physical and your body is just trying to adjust to things. If it sticks around after you have a proper meal or two, it may be rooted elsewhere. If we've never fasted before, the first time can make our body react in interesting ways.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "it's not working" but I hope you can see where I'm coming from.

[Twin2]

Fasting can be so hard at first. It can be that the questions are bearing on your mind. Remember to trust God to send the answers. Also, you said you are drinking your morning coffee and having some bread in the evening. Not a bad thing, because you are sacrificing to fast. I was just thinking, the caffeine may not be the best for your mood, on the other hand if you are a coffee drinker you may really need that caffeine. Also, the yeast in the bread can affect your mood. I would suggest that you try fresh fruit or veggies if you must eat during a fast. Since it is unprocessed, it may, help your mood.

[TrophyofGrace]

I'm not adding anything that hasn't already been said, but the first thought that came to my mind is that it's your blood sugar; that there's a physical cause for the way you've been feeling. Plus the spiritual warfare aspect; maybe Satan's trying to get you to give up so he can tell God, "see, she wasn't really serious..."

(I also need my morning coffee when I'm fasting!)

[Equipped_4_Love]

Fasting can be so hard at first. It can be that the questions are bearing on your mind. Remember to trust God to send the answers. Also, you said you are drinking your morning coffee and having some bread in the evening. Not a bad thing, because you are sacrificing to fast. I was just thinking, the caffeine may not be the best for your mood, on the other hand if you are a coffee drinker you may really need that caffeine. Also, the yeast in the bread can affect your mood. I would suggest that you try fresh fruit or veggies if you must eat during a fast. Since it is unprocessed, it may, help your mood.

Hey, twin;

Thanks for responding. The reason I was eating bread is because bread is probably one of the blandest things I could eat that actually has substance, but I didn't even think about the yeast factor.

I was trying to stay away from foods that I really enjoyed, and I do enjoy fruits and vegetables. I like bread, too, but it's really only enjoyable when it has stuff inside of it....anyhow, I'll keep that in mind for next time.

[Equipped_4_Love]

I'm not adding anything that hasn't already been said, but the first thought that came to my mind is that it's your blood sugar; that there's a physical cause for the way you've been feeling. Plus the spiritual warfare aspect; maybe Satan's trying to get you to give up so he can tell God, "see, she wasn't really serious..."

(I also need my morning coffee when I'm fasting!)

Thanks. I do think you're right on both levels. I do think it has a lot to do with physical factors, but I also noticed that when I woke up today, I was no longer feeling down or in a perpetual daze -- even before I ate anything, so I'm thinking that it might also have been spiritual.

It was weird -- this morning a friend called me with some awesome news. It was as though God was blessing me for being persistent. Man, He is just so good. I just love Him so much!!!!!!

[Equipped_4_Love]

Don't be discouraged. Fasting is a discipline, after all. You may not see the fruit of it until later. Nothing we do to honor God, goes unnoticed. And especially if this is your first time fasting, then no worries. I've done fasts where I didn't notice much during, except for my body complaining but I did it anyway because I knew God wanted me to do it, for His own reasons. There have been other fasts where things happened during or immediately after, but not always. It's all good.

Thanks so much -- I really appreciate that. This is only my second time fasting. The first time, God really used it to speak to me. I remember reading the psalms during this time, and God just really bringing out so much understanding in them -- It was as though I was connecting with Him intimately.
This time, it doesn't seem like much was accomplished, although it does seem that my attitude has changed quite a bit, which was one of the things I was seeking. I appreciate your comments that things don't always happen during a fast, and I am laying claim to that. I know that God had a reason for this, and I am trusting Him.

If your sense of depression lifts after you have something to eat then it's possible that it's physical and your body is just trying to adjust to things. If it sticks around after you have a proper meal or two, it may be rooted elsewhere. If we've never fasted before, the first time can make our body react in interesting ways.

It lifted this morning, when I woke up, even hours before I actually ate, so I do think that part of it was spiritual.....but I also think that part of it was physical, as well.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "it's not working" but I hope you can see where I'm coming from.

I just meant that it didn't seem like anything was being accomplished -- but after your explanation, I have a much clearer perspective. Thank you.

I look back to how my mother went on these intense, 40 day water only fasts, and I feel like such a wimp -- LOL. Granted, she did not have a physical job, like I do, and the fact that she was heavier than me, but still. I honestly don't know how she did it!!!! It must have been God's strength working in her, because honestly -- who has that kind of discipline?

Has anyone here fasted for that long? I suppose that after a while, you get used to it.

[TrophyofGrace]

It was weird -- this morning a friend called me with some awesome news. It was as though God was blessing me for being persistent. Man, He is just so good. I just love Him so much!!!!!!

woo-hoo!! Praise God for His blessings and encouragement!

40-day water only fasts?? Wow! I'd like to know how your mother did that, too! My longest fast was 72 hours!

[Equipped_4_Love]

woo-hoo!! Praise God for His blessings and encouragement!

40-day water only fasts?? Wow! I'd like to know how your mother did that, too! My longest fast was 72 hours!

I only really remember her doing it 3 or 4 times in 12 years. I think that she did smaller fasts periodically, but every once in a while, she'd do these intense long fasts.

It had to be the Holy Spirit strengthening her -- that's the only thing I can think of.

[Sparkshot]

Can somebody please explain how fasts work and the point of them in detail please? scriptures too if possible.

It's just, I really don't understand how starving yourself will bring us closer to Jesus, I rekon I'd just have food on my mind constantly.

?