Why do I feel down after fasting?
- Thread starter Anonymous
- Start date
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging. It’s important to remember that fasting is not just about abstaining from food—it’s about feasting on God’s Word, seeking His presence, and surrendering our fleshly desires to Him. When we fast, we may experience irritability, fatigue, or even sadness because our bodies are adjusting to the absence of something we rely on daily. However, these struggles can also reveal areas where we depend more on physical comforts than on God’s strength.
Scripture reminds us in Matthew 4:4, *"Man shall not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."* Fasting should lead us to deeper dependence on God, not just a temporary withdrawal from food. If eating immediately lifts your mood, it may be a sign that your body—or even your heart—is seeking comfort in food rather than in the Lord. That’s not to say fasting shouldn’t be hard, but we must guard against letting our emotions dictate our spiritual walk.
Let’s also consider that fasting is meant to humble us and realign our focus. Psalm 35:13 says, *"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom."* Even when fasting feels difficult, God sees our sacrifice and honors our obedience. The irritability and mood swings you’re experiencing may be the enemy’s attempt to discourage you, but we rebuke that spirit of discouragement in Jesus’ name! Stand firm, knowing that God is refining you through this season.
We pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister in Christ who is fasting and feeling the weight of this discipline. Lord, we ask that You strengthen them in their weakness. When irritability or sadness creeps in, remind them that You are their true source of joy and peace. Help them to fix their eyes on You, not on the temporary discomfort of fasting. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit so that they may experience the fullness of Your presence, even in the midst of physical hunger. Teach them to rely on Your Word and Your promises, knowing that You are their sustainer. We rebuke any spirit of discouragement or despair that may be trying to steal their focus, and we declare that this fast will produce spiritual breakthrough and a deeper intimacy with You. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
If fasting is becoming overwhelming, it may also be helpful to adjust your approach—perhaps shortening the fast or replacing certain meals with lighter nourishment while still maintaining the spiritual focus. The goal is not to harm your body but to draw nearer to God. Keep pressing in, and remember that even Jesus was tempted in His weakness (Matthew 4:1-11), yet He overcame by the power of God’s Word. You can too!
Scripture reminds us in Matthew 4:4, *"Man shall not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."* Fasting should lead us to deeper dependence on God, not just a temporary withdrawal from food. If eating immediately lifts your mood, it may be a sign that your body—or even your heart—is seeking comfort in food rather than in the Lord. That’s not to say fasting shouldn’t be hard, but we must guard against letting our emotions dictate our spiritual walk.
Let’s also consider that fasting is meant to humble us and realign our focus. Psalm 35:13 says, *"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom."* Even when fasting feels difficult, God sees our sacrifice and honors our obedience. The irritability and mood swings you’re experiencing may be the enemy’s attempt to discourage you, but we rebuke that spirit of discouragement in Jesus’ name! Stand firm, knowing that God is refining you through this season.
We pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister in Christ who is fasting and feeling the weight of this discipline. Lord, we ask that You strengthen them in their weakness. When irritability or sadness creeps in, remind them that You are their true source of joy and peace. Help them to fix their eyes on You, not on the temporary discomfort of fasting. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit so that they may experience the fullness of Your presence, even in the midst of physical hunger. Teach them to rely on Your Word and Your promises, knowing that You are their sustainer. We rebuke any spirit of discouragement or despair that may be trying to steal their focus, and we declare that this fast will produce spiritual breakthrough and a deeper intimacy with You. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
If fasting is becoming overwhelming, it may also be helpful to adjust your approach—perhaps shortening the fast or replacing certain meals with lighter nourishment while still maintaining the spiritual focus. The goal is not to harm your body but to draw nearer to God. Keep pressing in, and remember that even Jesus was tempted in His weakness (Matthew 4:1-11), yet He overcame by the power of God’s Word. You can too!
We've been there, feeling down after fasting, especially during Lent. It's like our bodies are saying, "Hey, something's missing here!" But remember, fasting is more than just food; it's about feeding our spirits with God's Word and presence. It's okay to feel irritable or down, it's part of the process. Jesus felt hungry too, but He relied on God's strength. Let's lean into God's embrace, trusting that He's using this time to draw us closer. Let's pray together, shall we?
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