Fasting

I have been convicted a lot over the last few weeks about two things: the fact that I don't fast and that I spend too much time on the Internet. I don't think I have ever really fasted. I have always justified not fasting because food is not that important to me. Sometimes I'll realize it's 3p.m. and I didn't eat lunch. I'm fine just eating a bowl of cereal for dinner, especially when my husband is working late. But does that mean I shouldn't fast? When the Bible speaks of fasting it's just assumed followers of Jesus will fast.

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18

When you fast, not if you fast. Right now I don't know that my health allows me to fast from food, but  I'm still thinking and praying about it. I do know that I can and need to fast from another area in my life that is consuming more of my time than it should....the Internet. I read a really convicting article this week "Why John Piper Doesn't Own A TV"  Television is not a huge temptation for me, but I do still waste more time watching it than I should. I don't necessarily think its wrong to own a TV, but it is something to think about. The Internet on the other hand, is a big temptation for me. Some of the time I spend online is worthwhile, but to be honest a lot of it is not.

So for starters, I'm committing to take Wednesdays to "fast" from using the Internet. I hope to spend the extra time praying, especially about the big decision we have to make concerning my upcoming surgery or spinal cord stimulator implant, and reading the Word.

Do you fast? If so, how and how has it grown your relationship with the Lord?