Amazing Benefits of Fasting: Isaiah 58:6-9
“6) Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? 7) Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8) Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9) Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness,” Isaiah 58:6-9
It often takes years for modern medicine and science to catch up with the Bible. I have been a passive advocate of fasting for many years. It usually involved one or two fasts a year of two to three days. My goal was both to seek God in prayer, but I was also intrigued by the promise of the health benefits mentioned in verse 8. The Hebrew actually reads that “your health will spring forth speedily.”
Recently, I’ve started watching numerous videos on the medical benefits of fasting. YouTube is filled with medical doctors expounding on exciting cutting edge research on fasting. It appears to do everything from help detoxify the body to stimulating the production of new stem cells devoted to physical healing. The research is amazing.
Not to minimize the spiritual benefits of fasting, but I am now very intrigued by the health benefits of fasting. In recent months, I have started both intermittent fasting of 16 hours daily to more frequent longer fasts of 36 to 72 hours every few weeks or month. It was a challenge at first, but now it has become normal for me.
I cannot report any really big break through in my health, but my mood in happier, my weight is down some and I have more energy. Part of this in my case may be do to the fact that I previously switched to more clean foods in my diet and removed most greasy foods, highly processed foods, sugars and drastically reduced my consumption of dairy. I’ve also limited the amount of meats to a few meals a week. I prefer wild game and fish. I eat plenty of fruits, veggies, grains and nuts. I like Ezekiel bread and have no problem with a Daniel diet and am intrigued by Genesis 1:29.
I am absolutely fascinated by the idea of “Let thy food be they medicine.” I believe God has given us everything in clean, natural and unprocessed foods to live healthy and happy lives. My international travel has led me to the conclusion that our modern chronic health problems in America can be traced directly to our terrible western died. I believe the medical evidence is now indisputable that the cure for diabetes, heart disease, obesity and many forms of cancer is as simple as a change of diet.
Having said that, I give myself some latitude when dining out or when invited over to someone’s house for a meal. I try not to be awkward or a burden to others because of my diet, but I do try to make healthy choices whenever possible.
I also believe that fasting is the missing link to healthy living. You can drive yourself nuts trying to eat just the right foods, whatever that means to you. I have seen some people literally eat a meal of vitamins minerals and supplements. I feel like asking them if they want some catchup on there pile of pills.
My personal new motto’s are: “Let my food be my medicine” and “Do my best and let fasting do the rest.” I do take vitamin D and B3 daily, but beyond that I try getting everything else through organic good foods. When I do binge, I know that my intermittent fasting will mop up any problem. For me its that simple.
I believe the Bible absolutely nails healthy eating and Isaiah 58 gives the missing link. I do not write this post to argue about the best diet, but rather to share my story and encourage you to take your health and nutrition seriously. I believe there are simple answers to America’s chronic health problems and it has everything on do with what and how we eat.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
