The Power of Fasting: How to Quiet the Noise and Hear God’s Voice

Ever notice how your cravings get louder the moment you try to ignore them? You tell yourself, “No Oreos today,” and suddenly that cookie is all you can think about. Or you decide to spend time with God, and every distraction in the house — your phone, emails, snacks — screams for your attention.

That’s exactly what Jesus was getting at when He taught on fasting in Matthew 6.

Fasting isn’t about punishing yourself or showing off your spirituality. It’s about training your heart and your desires to follow God’s lead instead of chasing temporary satisfaction. It’s how you quiet the noise, gain self-control, and create space to hear God clearly.

Jesus said: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward” (Matt. 6:16, NASB).

In other words, fasting with the wrong motive — trying to impress people or earn a blessing — leaves you empty. Fasting with the right heart? That’s where freedom begins.


What Fasting Does
We often think of fasting as just going without food, but it’s so much more. It addresses one of the strongest forces in our lives: our appetites.

Did you know that fasting has both natural benefits and spiritual benefits?

Natural benefits:

• Repairs damaged cells
• Lowers inflammation
• Balances blood sugar
• Brings mental clarity

Spiritual benefits:

• Tunes your ear to God’s voice (“Man shall not live by bread alone…” – Matt. 4:4)
• Strengthens your faith (“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matt. 17:21)
• Helps you resist temptation and break free from strongholds and addictions (Isa. 58:8–9)

Think of it this way, fasting trains you to say “yes” to God and “no” to what temporarily satisfies you.


Fasting Is Between You and God
Jesus makes it clear that fasting is not a performance.

He says: “But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matt. 6:17–18, NASB).

The reason fasting should be private is simple: God cares about the condition of your heart more than your outward actions. He’s not looking at your empty stomach or how solemn you look — He’s looking at your faith, your surrender, and your willingness to seek Him above comfort and convenience.

When fasting is between you and God, it becomes an act of trust. You’re saying: “God, I want You more than I want temporary satisfaction. I’m choosing to seek You first, even when it’s not easy or visible.”

This is the heart of Matthew 6. Fasting is an intimate practice of dying to self and leaning into His provision, His guidance, and His reward.


The Danger of Appetite-Driven Living
In Genesis 25, Esau shows us the cost of living driven by cravings. Hungry and exhausted, Esau came in from the field and saw Jacob cooking stew. Driven by his appetite, he traded something priceless, his birthright—the blessing of being the firstborn—for a simple meal.

“Look, I’m dying of starvation! What good is my birthright to me now?” (Gen. 25:32)

Esau wasn’t really dying. He was exaggerating because his appetite was screaming louder than his faith. In that moment, he gave up his future for instant gratification. Hebrews 12:16 warns us not to be careless about God’s blessings the way Esau was.

We learn from Esau that appetite-driven living always costs more than we realize. It trades tomorrow’s promise for today’s craving. It focuses on the moment, not the future.

Paul reminds us self-control is a hallmark of someone walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:23–25). Fasting trains us to say no to the temporary so we can experience lasting freedom in God.


Your Takeaway
Here’s the truth about fasting:

• When I fast, I die to self.
• When I fast, I resist the pull of the flesh.
• When I fast, I live in surrender.
• When I fast, I am strengthened by my Father.

Fasting decreases my appetite for the temporary so God can increase His presence in me.

Today, don’t ignore what the Holy Spirit is laying on your heart. The invitation is simple but life-changing: less of me, more of Him.