How should believers respond during spiritual "fasting" seasons when Jesus seems distant? When the Bridegroom Feels Far: Matthew 9:14-15 “Jesus replied, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’” (Matthew 9:15) Recognizing the Purpose of Fasting • A voluntary pause in eating to signal that fellowship with Christ matters more than bread (Deuteronomy 8:3). • A tangible cry for His nearness when the Bridegroom seems absent (Psalm 63:1). • A posture of repentance and humility (Joel 2:12-13). • An act of intercession for breakthrough in spiritual warfare (Daniel 10:2-3, 12-14). When Jesus Seems Distant: What the Verse Teaches • “Taken from them” reminds us there will be intervals on earth when His felt presence is veiled. • “Then they will fast” shows fasting is the God-appointed response to that sense of distance. • The pattern: Presence → celebration; Perceived absence → fasting with expectation of return. Healthy Responses During a Fast 1. Refocus on the Word – Read and pray through passages that affirm His nearness: Hebrews 13:5; John 14:18. – Journal any verses the Spirit highlights. 2. Replace Meals with Worship – Use the mealtime window to sing, thank, and adore (Psalm 42:8). – Let praise shift attention from feelings to facts of His covenant love. 3. Repent Quickly – Ask Him to expose any known sin that may dull intimacy (Psalm 139:23-24). – Receive cleansing through 1 John 1:9. 4. Rehearse the Gospel – Meditate on Romans 8:32; if He gave His Son, He will not abandon you now. – Preach truth to your soul as the psalmist does (Psalm 42:5). 5. Request Fresh Filling – Seek renewed empowerment of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). – Expect Him to reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 6. Rest in His Sovereignty – Even silence serves His good purposes (Isaiah 30:15,18). – Trust that waiting purifies faith like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). Practical Helps for a Fast • Decide ahead how long and what type (water-only, juice, Daniel fast). • Stay hydrated; slow physical pace if needed. • Anchor each hunger pang to a specific prayer for deeper communion. • Limit media and unnecessary conversation to guard focus. • Break the fast gently with gratitude, not indulgence. Promises to Hold During the Silence • “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) • “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18) • “Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) Signs Your Fast Is God-Centered • Increased tenderness toward Scripture and prayer. • Heightened awareness of personal sin and need for grace. • Growing compassion for others. • Joyful expectancy even before visible answers arrive. Fasting with Hope of His Return Every fast rehearses Revelation 22:20—“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” The Bridegroom who once seemed distant will soon be seen face to face (1 John 3:2). Until then, seasons of fasting anchor hearts in longing, purity, and unwavering confidence that His silence is never His absence. |
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