Matthew 9:14-15 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Why do we do what we do? Jesus points out that His disciples need not fast as long as He is among them. The purpose for fasting should be to put aside everything or anything which hinders your closeness to Christ. The OT example of fasting is one of food. I have fasted on food for a season. I have fasted on television. I have fasted on the news.

None of those fasting could have accomplished their purpose without a time of prayer, meditation and study of the scriptures. Fasting in and of itself, apart from these things is meaningless. The purpose of the fast is to come closer to Jesus, to put aside the distractions and times ill spent on things of the flesh, things of the world and of things which consume one’s mind.

If you spend time praying, meditating, and studying the scripture, you will find no need to fast. But what about other endeavors? Why do you do what you do? Do you do them with purpose or habit? Do you do them with purpose or obligation? Do you do them with purpose or mindless idleness?

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Do you know your purpose?