Today we will talk about bible verses about fasting kjv. Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice that connects us closer to God, freeing us from distractions and allowing us to focus our hearts and minds on His will. Many Christians, however, might not fully understand the profound significance of fasting or how it can transform their spiritual journey. Through examining these scriptures, we can learn how to incorporate fasting into our faith, understand its purpose, and find strength in our devotion. As we explore these verses together, let’s meditate on their meaning and reflect on the role fasting plays in deepening our relationship with God. Immerse yourself in His word, and let’s discover this spiritual discipline that can lead to greater faith and connection with our Creator.
Bible Verses About Fasting KJV
The Purpose of Fasting
Understanding the purpose behind fasting is essential for us as believers. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it is about dedicating that time to deepen our relationship with God. Through fasting, we express our longing for Him, seek His guidance, and turn our hearts towards prayer and scripture. It becomes a significant spiritual endeavor where we humble ourselves, demonstrating our dependence on Him alone. Fasting reminds us that true nourishment comes from His presence and His word, rather than from physical sustenance. We can approach fasting with joyful expectation, knowing that it can lead to a renewed spirit and closer communion with our Heavenly Father.
Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” – Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12
“Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” – Joel 2:12
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” – Acts 13:2
Lamentations 2:19
“Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.” – Lamentations 2:19
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer go hand in hand as essential components of our spiritual lives. When we set aside time to fast, we also draw nearer to God through prayer. It is in prayer that we seek answers, express our desires, and listen for His guidance. This combination helps us to direct our focus to God’s glory, aligning our will with His own. By coupling our fast with heartfelt prayer, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work in us, transforming our hearts and renewing our minds. Through fasting and prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, nurturing our spiritual growth and fostering clarity in times of confusion.
Matthew 17:21
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Luke 2:37
“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.” – Ezra 8:23
Mark 9:29
“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” – Mark 9:29
The Attitude of Fasting
When we think about fasting, our attitude matters significantly. It is essential for us to approach fasting with the right mindset. Fasting should not be seen as a display of piety or self-righteousness, but instead as a sincere attempt to connect with God. Jesus teaches us to keep our hearts humble and focused on Him during our fast. Our motivation should stem from a desire to grow closer to the Lord and not from a superficial wish to impress others. By cultivating a spirit of humility and sincerity, we allow our fasting to become a true expression of our devotion and commitment to God’s purpose in our lives.
Matthew 6:17-18
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:17-18
Isaiah 58:3
“Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors.” – Isaiah 58:3
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” – Luke 18:12
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” – James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” – 1 Peter 5:6
Fasting for Guidance
In our walk with God, there are moments when we encounter difficult decisions or uncertain paths. Fasting can be an essential tool for seeking God’s guidance during such times. By fasting, we quiet our minds and hearts, allowing us to open up to His voice and direction. It helps us to set aside distractions, making space for the Holy Spirit to lead us towards God’s will. Letting go of our own desires and seeking God’s purpose enables us to trust Him more fully. In our journey, we can turn to these moments of fasting, knowing that God will reveal His plans in His perfect timing.
Acts 14:23
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” – Acts 14:23
1 Samuel 7:6
“And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” – Ezra 8:21
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5
The Spiritual Rewards of Fasting
Whenever we commit to fasting, we can be encouraged by the spiritual rewards that come with this discipline. Fasting cultivates spiritual breakthroughs, helping us grow in our faith journey and receive God’s favor and blessings. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that we do not solely rely on the earthly things of the world, but on God’s presence and provision in our lives. As we engage in this practice, we can trust that God sees our faithful sacrifice and will be faithful in His response. The rewards of fasting may not always be immediate, but they will manifest in ways that bless our lives, enrich our relationships, and draw us closer to Him.
Matthew 6:18
“That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:18
Isaiah 58:8
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” – Isaiah 58:8
Isaiah 58:9
“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;” – Isaiah 58:9
Philippians 4:19
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Fasting and Humility
Fasting is a powerful opportunity for us to embrace humility as we surrender to God. It’s not only about denying our physical needs but also about recognizing our reliance on Him. During fasting, we strip away excess and focus on the truth that we are nothing without God’s grace and love. Through humility, we open our hearts to receive His strength and presence, allowing us to grow closer and deeper in our relationship with Him. By practicing humility during fasting, we acknowledge our weaknesses and place our trust fully in God’s abundant power. Embracing humility fosters a spirit of gratitude for all He has already provided and encourages us to seek His kingdom above our own.
Psalm 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” – Psalm 35:13
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” – Ezra 8:21
Matthew 4:2
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” – Matthew 4:2
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8
Spiritual Breakthroughs through Fasting
Fasting often leads to powerful breakthroughs in our spiritual journey. It is during these sacred times when we lay aside our own desires and expectations, seeking God with a whole heart. Fasting helps clear the distractions and noise, allowing us to hear His still small voice more clearly. Many believers have experienced divine interventions and miracles when they considered fasting as a core part of their lives. Choosing to fast can unlock doors we didn’t know existed, opening opportunities for healing, restoration, and guidance in our lives. In this place of devotion, we are reminded of the authority and power God holds, inviting us to depend on Him fully.
Acts 9:9
“And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” – Acts 9:9
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16
2 Chronicles 20:3
“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Daniel 9:3
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” – Daniel 9:3
Mark 1:13
“And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.” – Mark 1:13
Fasting in Times of Trouble
During challenging times, entering into a period of fasting can be an incredibly meaningful response. When faced with hardships or uncertainty, we can come before God, seeking solace and strength in His presence through fasting. This act demonstrates our vulnerability and reliance on God’s help, inviting Him into our situation. Fasting in times of trouble allows us to redirect our focus away from fear and anxiety, drawing us toward faith and trust in acceptance of God’s will. It enables us to lift our burdens to Him, knowing He actively listens to our hearts and prayers during these difficult times.
Jonah 3:5
“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5
Jeremiah 36:9
“And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the Lord to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.” – Jeremiah 36:9
Joel 1:14
“Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.” – Joel 1:14
Nehemiah 1:4
“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” – Nehemiah 1:4
1 Samuel 20:34
“So Jonathan arose from the table in furious anger, and did eat no meat the second day: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.” – 1 Samuel 20:34
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of our exploration of the Bible verses about fasting kjv, we’ve uncovered a beautiful tapestry of truths. Fasting is a vital practice that helps us grow closer to God, seek His guidance, and embrace humility in our lives. By taking time to connect with Him through fasting and prayer, we create paths to spiritual breakthroughs and deepen our faith journey. Each verse provides rich reflections on the nature of fasting and encourages us to embrace its spiritual rewards wholeheartedly. Through these practices, we can find hope, strength, and profound changes in our lives. Let’s approach fasting with joy and dedication, knowing that as we seek Him, He will reward us and provide for our needs.
In our fast-paced world, we must remember that fasting isn’t just about giving up physical sustenance but embracing a more profound spiritual connection with our Creator. Together, as we practice fasting, we will witness the transformation of our hearts, the renewal of our spirits, and the deepening of our faith. May we continue to seek God diligently, allowing Him to work wonders in our lives through this beautiful discipline of fasting.
Let us commit to leaning not on our own understanding but on God’s promises as revealed through His Word. As we journey on this path of fasting, let’s support one another in faith and share our experiences, forming a community rooted in love and devotion to Him. Amen!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4