Fasting, as commanded by God, serves profound purposes in aligning us with His will. It is a voluntary act of self-denial, distinct from the involuntary suffering of famine, intended to foster humility and godly living. Through fasting, we afflict our souls, denying ourselves sustenance to demonstrate obedience to God and to exercise self-control over our carnal urges. This act of submission, seen in the earliest command to abstain from the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, shows that fasting is fundamentally about obeying God and restraining the flesh to act in a manner reflective of His character. Fasting also draws us closer to God, enhancing our communication with Him. As exemplified by Moses, who fasted for extended periods while in God's presence, fasting brings us into a deeper relationship with Him, providing spiritual sustenance that surpasses physical nourishment. During these times, God sustains us, strengthening rather than weakening us in matters of spiritual importance, fortifying our connection with Him. Additionally, fasting serves as a visible and visceral act of contrition, expressing grief and mourning for sins committed against God. It showcases a repentant heart, as seen in David's fasting over his transgressions, signaling readiness for genuine repentance and a plea for mercy. A godly fast, as described in Isaiah, goes beyond mere ritual; it must result in a change of heart and attitude toward others, fostering righteousness, repairing relationships, and producing lasting blessings for ourselves and future generations. Ultimately, fasting is a choice to humble ourselves sincerely before God, to repent of our faults, and to put ourselves in His service. When done with the right spirit, it leads to a closer relationship with Him and with each other, reaping spiritual benefits far greater than any physical deprivation endured.

Fasting holds a significant place in spiritual practice, primarily as a means to draw close to God. A crucial purpose of fasting is to transform a self-centered attitude into one of outgoing concern for others. It is not sufficient to fast only once a year on the Day of Atonement, as this alone will not effect substantial change in character. Fasting also serves to seek God's guidance, as exemplified by several heroes of faith, including Jesus Himself, who fasted for this purpose. God commands an annual fast on the Day of Atonement, and scriptural examples indicate that a proper fast involves abstaining from both food and water for at least 24 hours, treating the time as holy and dedicated to prayer and study before the Almighty God. The rewards for fasting properly before God are profound, as outlined in Isaiah 58:8-11, promising light, healing, righteousness, guidance, and continual satisfaction even in drought, making one like a watered garden whose waters never fail.

Fasting, as a purposeful act, reveals our weaknesses and teaches total reliance on God, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. It is a means to show that only when we see ourselves in proper comparison to God will we have the right attitude to be truly at one with Him. Through fasting, we combat self-preservation, self-importance, and self-glorification, fostering self-discipline, humility, and self-sacrifice, which are essential for acceptable fasting before God. Following the example of Jesus Christ, we fast to help free others from their slavery to sin by setting a good example in teaching, to intercede on behalf of others' sins with God for their healing, to provide for their needs, and to understand His will. Fasting is an instrument of godly love used for the good of others, bringing wonderful blessings to those who are self-sacrificing. On the Day of Atonement, fasting serves as a vital remembrance of the state of mind necessary for salvation, embodying humility, submission, and passion for God and His way of life. Fasting also wipes away distractions from our physical lives, helping us focus on spiritual priorities. It is not penance or a hunger strike to force God's will, but a sincere act of drawing closer to His righteousness. This act of afflicting our souls through fasting on the Day of Atonement prepares us to understand the attitude humanity must have toward the world when it becomes at one with God.