Whenever I've taught a class or preached a sermon on fasting, invariably one of the first questions asked is, "Does fasting mean that I must forsake food?" The thought of going a meal or a day without food seems to be too much. "Can I fast from television? From a recreational hobby?" often seems like a much more legitimate option.

I guess a person could fast from television or recreation, but those pursuits are not the central features at the heart of the Biblical directive to fast. When Jesus said in Matthew 6.16,18 that there would be times in the lives of his disciples when they would fast, he was speaking to the need to forsake physical nourishment.

Is television a necessity? Trae might think so. Is playing golf or turkey hunting a need? As much enjoyment as those hobbies bring, we do not "need" them. On the other hand, our bodies need food to survive. Our physical existence is dependent upon our bodies being nourished with food.

The Biblical insight on fasting means we forsake a physical need, i.e. nourishment through food, for the sake of a spiritual need, i.e. seeking the will and ways of God through prayer, meditation and allowing God to speak to us through His Word.

That reminds me that even though I might lose a pound or two during my times of fasting, the physical benefits are ancillary to the primary benefit: a greater awareness and appreciation of the blessing of relationship with Almighty God.