Monday, December 29, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Ephesians 2

What is fasting?

Fasting is one of God's quiet, transformative invitations. A way to slow our pace, soften our hearts, and sharpen our ability to recognize his voice. It sounds simplistic and rewarding, and in truth, it is. However, our lives are loud—notifications buzzing, schedules packed, minds racing.

At its core, Biblical fasting is a voluntary act of humility. It's choosing to slow down, to lay aside something good for a time, so our attention can be re-centered on God.

Fasting isn’t a hunger strike meant to impress God or others. In fact, Jesus assumes it will be done quietly.

Matthew 6:16–18
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.  But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.  Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

When practiced this way, fasting becomes less about what we give up and more about who we're making room for.

When we fast we are saying: “God, I’m making room for you to speak.”

Anytime we remove something from our normal rhythms, our daily lives can feel disrupted. Hunger, silence, or the absence of a familiar habit exposes what usually fills our thoughts and comforts us.

That exposure is a gift. It reveals where we've been relying on noise instead of listening. In that quieter place, we can offer prayers that are more straightforward and honest. Or if we replace what we are fasting with reading Scripture, it slows us down and opens space to notice God's nearness rather than rushing past it.

Over time, fasting becomes less about the discipline itself and more about the relationship it nurtures. We begin to recognize God’s voice not only in the quiet moments, but in the noise we return to afterward.

I encourage you to allow your fast—whatever form it takes—to become an invitation. As you lay something down, stay attentive to what God may want to lift up in you: courage, discernment, healing, conviction, or simply rest.

He sees you, hears you, and he will meet you in his perfect timing. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Question:
What noise in your life might God be inviting you to set aside so you can listen more closely?

Next Step:
Choose a straightforward way this week to “turn down the noise” for a set time and invite God into that space.

If you're feeling stuck in a place where the words for prayer aren't flowing, worship music can also be a form of prayer. Try, Quiet, from Elevation Rhythm if you need a place to start.

Prayer:
God, I confess how easily I fill my life with noise. Teach me to humble myself, slow down, and make space for you. As I prepare my heart to fast, help me listen, trust, and receive what only you can give. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.