Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
With all the overindulgence of food these days, fasting is becoming more acceptable to those who would otherwise avoid it due to its health benefits. If you should decide to abstain from food for any length of time, it is best to check with your doctor to make sure that your decision does not lead to other complications. Once your doctor has cleared you, there are many hidden gems to be discovered from leaving food alone for a day or so.
Fasting allows the body to have much-needed rest, and because the organs don’t have to spend energy digesting food, this gives energy for the brain to think more clearly and the body to rid itself of harmful waste and establish an environment to heal from minor illnesses.
Fasting also reestablishes self-control in a body that is accustomed to having its way and resets the taste buds. We have been so spoiled by all the choices and conveniences of life that, at most times, our lack of restraint feels normal.
Conditioning ourselves to wait and denying the strong craving that we often have clears the mind and gives rise to higher thoughts, as fasting also offers a sense of well being while reducing tension, stress and anxiety.
As you begin to look at fasting as another tool for achieving optimum health, may you also listen to the voice of the one who created you, challenging you to come a little closer and experience pearls of wisdom that you might not have heard otherwise, for we know that man cannot live on bread alone.