Committing to a fast can be difficult to accomplish. That is why you need the Holy Spirit’s help every step of the way. It is actually He who reminds me of these practices or commitments every year.
The Benefits of Fasting
Apart from having more quality time to be with God and to be aware of God; you have time to focus on other important tasks.
You have time to focus on people. You escape the zombie culture.
Think about this. Have you ever been in a public setting like a restaurant, train, bus or meeting and rather than interacting with each other, people are faced down into their electronic devices? It is a sad state to be in and the primary reason for antisocial behavior today.
Less addiction forces us, as social beings to be social with real people in real time in the real world and not live stuck in a virtual reality.
Develop Your Spirit
Depriving the physical man of these pleasures, allows you to focus on other things that develop your spiritual man. That means reading your bible more, doing in-depth studies, researching to write a book, writing that book, attending and paying attention in church or any other number of Christ centered practices.
Escape Media Influence
You escape the influence of mass media content that has been ‘programmed’ or created to influence your decisions.
Another benefit is that you notice the differences between yourself and others.
Improve or Assess Your Moral Code
I have noticed how television content has become more depraved, immoral and blatant in the last ten years. I am shocked when I see curse words allowed in general online content as headlines and that which can be easily consumed or accessed by young kids.
I notice how idiotic, depraved, violet and meaningless song lyrics are today.
I notice how gospel and Christian music are actually more secular and many have nothing to do with worshipping God. Many are flesh-ly and only serve the purpose of gratifying the person or selling records or showing off vocal range.
I noticed that many television shows are simply porn.
How to Do A Fast
Ok, so I have mentioned a lot of pointers in this article on why you should and what are the benefits of a Facebook fasting or a general social media fast. However, let me itemize how to go about implementing one.
- Choose a set time (e.g. 1 week, 1 month)
- Choose a time you can successfully manage
- Turn off social media notifications on your devices
- Delete social media applications; for example Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.
- If needed, be accountable to someone. Telling a friend, who is more mature and Christian minded will help you stick to your fast.
- Read your bible more. In those times you would generally be on social media, read a bible story of some verses.
- Download a bible app
- Do or go to bible study
- Join a ministry team to help occupy your time
- When your fasting period expires, leave notifications off. Have set periods when you check your messages.
- Unfollow/Unfriend/Snooze people who post unsuitable content
- Don’t use your phone when you are required to engage with others. If you go out in social settings, speak to people rather than spend time browsing online.
As time progresses it will get easier. Breaking addictions – drugs, alcohol, porn, smoking, internet- can be difficult.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and stick to your plans. Consuming more of God’s word, praying and meditation will help to transform and repair your mind.
Be Encouraged
It is important that we endeavor to recuperate and fast properly when we become spiritually exhausted; or avoid the occurrence, entirely. It is important that we adopt the Christian lifestyle practice, of fasting and connecting frequently to the Vine.
Meditate on God’s Word
Many Christians struggle daily to live according to God’s word. But we need daily nourishment. That is why it is important to read your bible daily; even if it is a few verses and meditate on them.
Get a copy of the daily devotional Be Encouraged.
More articles on Fasting:
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting – Week 1
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting – Week 2
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting – Week 3, Day 2
- Christian Testimony 2015: February Facebook Fasting
- Christian Testimony 2015: 40 Days Fasting – Week 4
- Christian Testimony 2015: 40 Days Fasting – Week 6
- The Christian Life: Day 100 Spiritual Exhaustion & Why Fasting is Necessary
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About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 fiction and non-fiction books. She is also a trainer and mentors aspiring writers towards achieving their goals.
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