Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition, serving as a means of humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, and expressing repentance. Within the context of private afflictions, fasting takes on a personal and introspective dimension, often undertaken in times of personal distress, mourning, or when seeking divine intervention.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous examples of fasting associated with private afflictions. One of the most poignant instances is found in the life of King David. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan and faced the death of his child as a consequence of his sin. In response, David fasted and lay on the ground all night, pleading with God for the child's life (2 Samuel 12:16-17). This act of fasting was a personal expression of his deep remorse and his earnest petition for God's mercy.

Another significant example is found in the book of Esther. When Mordecai learned of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. Esther, upon learning of the decree, instructed Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for her for three days and nights as she prepared to approach the king uninvited, risking her life (Esther 4:1-3, 15-16). This communal fast, though initiated by Esther, was deeply personal for each participant, as it was a matter of life and death for their people.

Purpose and Practice

Fasting in the context of private afflictions serves several purposes. It is an act of humility, acknowledging one's dependence on God and the need for His intervention. It is also a form of self-denial, setting aside physical needs to focus on spiritual matters. In times of personal crisis, fasting becomes a way to seek clarity, strength, and comfort from God.

The practice of fasting is often accompanied by prayer, as seen in the life of Daniel. When Daniel understood from the Scriptures that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years, he turned to the Lord God with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, praying and confessing the sins of Israel (Daniel 9:2-3). This combination of fasting and prayer underscores the earnestness of the supplicant's plea and the depth of their reliance on God.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus provides guidance on the practice of fasting, emphasizing its private nature. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers, "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18). This teaching highlights the personal and intimate aspect of fasting, focusing on the relationship between the individual and God rather than public display.

Spiritual Significance

Fasting during private afflictions is a profound expression of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. It is a voluntary act of submission, recognizing that human strength and wisdom are insufficient in the face of life's challenges. Through fasting, believers draw nearer to God, seeking His presence and guidance in their time of need. The discipline of fasting, when undertaken with sincerity and humility, becomes a powerful means of spiritual renewal and transformation, aligning the heart and mind with the will of God.2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore sought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth.
Nave's Topical Index

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... of the Sedition continued; also of fasting; and upon ... how many circumstances of a
public or private nature are ... that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... then go and feast at your private altar at ... That the apostle Paul considered fasting
an excellent ... themselves by "much patience, in afflictions, in necessities ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

The First Book
... Roman power turned their scorn of private means to ... drink, and are weak through
abstinence, thirst and fasting. ... it was for God that they bore these afflictions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

On Baptism
... temporal punishment by prayers, fasting, gaining indulgences ... your sufferings, trials,
and afflictions patiently, and ... necessity, baptizes in a private house, he ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 14 on baptism.htm

A Desperate Case --How to Meet It
... was praying (and I make no doubt, fasting likewise) that ... attend to the reason he
gives in private to his ... It is one of the heaviest afflictions which can come ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a desperate casehow to meet.htm

Acts XIV
... referred to are those of a private court within ... the suffering apostles in their
afflictions and comforts ... every Church, and prayed with fasting, they commended ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiv.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... what further need have I of fasting, or to ... our assemblies; not only in public and
private affairs; but ... to buffet me with persecutions and afflictions, that I ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... What public or private duties have I neglected? ... I received my comforts thankfully,
and my afflictions submissively ... permit, set apart a day of fasting and prayer ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.
... a day and a night for fasting and prayer ... the displeasure of the managers, for holding
private conventicles, and ... and shewed that our light afflictions which are ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr thomas.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Confession, private to a Priest, [806]360; of sins ... Intemperance, before and after
fasting, [1367]439 ... Judgment, the last, proved by the afflictions of the saints ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

What is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.org

Why don't Christians fast the same as Muslims? | GotQuestions.org

How to fast'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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