Fasting Helps You Hear God More Clearly

Family,

As we end 2025 and approach our church wide fast on January 5, 2026, I want to focus on Fasting and Meditation which were the last two points from my How to Hear God Clearly video.

There are moments in our walk with God when we do not need more noise, more advice, or more scrolling. We need clarity. One of the most overlooked ways God brings clarity is through fasting.

In the video, I mentioned fasting and meditation as a way to hear God clearly. Not as a spiritual stunt, not as a punishment to the body, but as a holy invitation. Fasting is your way of saying, “Lord, I want You more than the thing I am giving up.”

When you fast, you are not trying to force God to speak. You are quieting everything else so you can finally hear what He has been saying all along.

Fasting Empties the Heart So God Can Fill It

Scripture shows us that fasting is not new. It is a rhythm woven throughout the story of God’s people.

• Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).

• Daniel fasted when he needed wisdom and understanding (Daniel 10:2-3, 12).

• The early church fasted before making major decisions (Acts 13:2-3).

Fasting is never about deprivation.

It is about preparation. It makes space. It calms the appetite of the flesh so the appetite of the spirit can wake up again.

Fasting Helps You Discern God’s Voice From Your Emotions

When you practice fasting, whether it is abstaining from food, social media, sugar, or anything else that tugs on your attention, your sensitivity begins to shift.

• Your spiritual ears sharpen.

• Your emotional impulses quiet down.

• Your thoughts slow enough for the Holy Spirit to highlight what matters.

Isaiah described it clearly: “Is this not the fast that I have chosen… then your light shall break forth like the morning… and you shall call, and the Lord will answer.”(Isaiah 58:6-9) God says, “When you fast My way, clarity breaks open.”

Light replaces confusion.

Direction replaces wandering.

Fasting Without Meditation Is Just a Diet

Fasting gets your attention.

Meditation directs it.

Biblical meditation is when you sit with Scripture long enough for it to sit in you. Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate day and night because wisdom grows in stillness.

Fasting breaks the soil.

Meditation plants the seed.

Fasting Creates Space for God to Speak Clearly

Some of the most important moments in Scripture happened because someone chose to fast:

• Esther before approaching the king (Esther 4:16)

• Moses before receiving God’s law (Exodus 34:28)

• Nehemiah before rebuilding Jerusalem after hearing of its destruction (Nehemiah 1:4)

In each case, God responded not to their hunger, but to their humility.

Fasting says, “Lord, You have my full attention.” God honors that.

Before You Go.

At Carmel Friendship Church, we are stepping into a 21 Day Fast starting January 5th.

I want you to prepare your heart now and choose something meaningful to set aside.

Ask God what He wants to reveal, and enter these 21 days expecting clarity, direction, and renewal.

Let us make room and watch God fill it. Have a safe and Happy New Year!

-Pastor Q