Divorce is one of the most emotionally and mentally challenging experiences a person can go through. It’s a season of uncertainty, grief, and major life changes. When faced with a decision as weighty as ending a marriage—or navigating life after one—many seek clarity, healing, and wisdom. One powerful, often overlooked practice that can help during this time is fasting.
Fasting has been practiced for centuries across cultures and religions as a way to refocus, gain spiritual insight, and build resilience. In the Bible, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry, facing temptations and trials along the way (Matthew 4:1-11). His time of fasting was not about suffering—it was about strengthening His spirit, sharpening His focus, and preparing for what lay ahead.
For those going through a divorce or facing major life choices, fasting can be a tool for clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual renewal. Here’s how.
The Purpose of Fasting in Difficult Seasons
Fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about creating space for reflection, prayer, and personal growth. When life feels overwhelming, fasting removes distractions and allows for deeper focus on what truly matters.
Whether you’re seeking wisdom on whether to end a marriage, struggling with the emotions of a divorce, or trying to redefine your future, fasting can:
- Create Mental and Emotional Clarity – Divorce is emotionally draining, often clouding judgment with anger, fear, or sadness. Fasting shifts the focus away from external distractions and inward toward self-awareness and truth.
- Provide Spiritual Strength – Just as Jesus fasted before facing temptation, fasting can help fortify faith and resilience during life’s hardest moments. It is a time to seek God’s guidance, surrender burdens, and renew spiritual strength.
- Improve Self-Control and Discipline – Divorce can bring intense emotions, from bitterness to loneliness. Fasting strengthens self-discipline, helping to manage reactions and make thoughtful, intentional choices instead of emotional ones.
- Encourage Emotional Healing – Holding onto pain, regret, or resentment can make moving forward difficult. Fasting creates a space for emotional processing and release, allowing healing to begin.
Different Types of Fasting During a Divorce
Not everyone can or should completely abstain from food, and fasting isn’t just about what you give up—it’s about what you gain. Obviously one should consult with a doctor to determine if fasting is a good idea, but here are some ways to incorporate fasting into your journey:
- Water or Juice Fasting – A traditional fast that eliminates solid foods for a set time. This deepens focus and reliance on prayer and reflection.
- Intermittent Fasting – Setting specific times for eating and fasting (such as skipping a meal) can be a manageable way to incorporate fasting into a busy life.
- Media or Social Media Fast – Stepping away from news, social media, or digital distractions removes negativity and comparison, creating space for peace and clear thinking.
- Fasting from Negative Influences – Avoiding toxic conversations, gossip, or situations that fuel bitterness helps in emotional healing and personal growth.
What to Focus on During a Fast
Fasting is most effective when paired with intentional practices that support emotional and spiritual renewal. Instead of focusing on what you are giving up, focus on what you are gaining:
- Prayer and Reflection – Use this time to seek wisdom, strength, and guidance. If you are struggling with a decision or emotions tied to divorce, ask for clarity and peace.
- Journaling – Write down your thoughts, feelings, and any insights gained during fasting. This helps process emotions and track personal growth.
- Meditation on Scripture – Verses like Isaiah 41:10 (“Do not fear, for I am with you…”) and Psalm 34:18 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”) provide comfort and encouragement.
- Practicing Gratitude – Even in difficult times, gratitude shifts perspective. Reflecting on blessings, even small ones, helps bring light into dark moments.
The Biblical Example: Jesus’ Fasting in the Wilderness
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by Satan. He was physically weak but spiritually strong, resisting temptation and emerging with greater clarity and purpose. His time in the wilderness was a test of faith, self-control, and commitment to God’s will.
Divorce, like the wilderness, is a place of hardship and uncertainty. Temptations arise—to react in anger, to seek revenge, to make rash decisions. But just as Jesus leaned on His faith, fasting can help you rely on God’s wisdom rather than emotions.
The Health Benefits of Fasting During Stressful Seasons
Beyond its spiritual and emotional benefits, fasting also has significant health advantages that can be especially helpful during the stress of a divorce. Research shows that fasting can reduce inflammation, improve mental clarity, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support gut health—all of which are essential during times of heightened anxiety. Additionally, fasting triggers autophagy, a cellular repair process that helps the body eliminate damaged cells and regenerate new ones. Many people report improved mood, better focus, and increased energy while fasting, which can be incredibly beneficial when navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce. By giving your body time to reset and heal, fasting can support both your physical and mental well-being as you move forward into a new chapter of life.
Fasting and the Future: Moving Forward with Clarity
Divorce is not the end of your story—it’s the start of a new chapter. Whether you are deciding whether to leave a marriage, healing from a breakup, or rebuilding your life, fasting can help you:
- Let go of the past and release pain, resentment, or regret.
- Make clear decisions about your next steps, whether it’s legal, personal, or spiritual.
- Reconnect with your faith and find comfort in knowing you are not alone.
- Embrace a new beginning with strength, wisdom, and renewed purpose.
At Robertson + Easterling, we know that divorce is more than just a legal process—it’s an emotional and spiritual journey. If you are seeking guidance during this time, our team is here to support you with compassion and expertise.
If you’re facing a difficult decision, consider stepping away from the noise, turning to fasting, and seeking the clarity you need. Just as Jesus found strength in the wilderness, you too can emerge from this season stronger, wiser, and ready for what comes next.
At Robertson + Easterling, we’re here to help you navigate your family law journey with expertise, compassion, and care. Whether you need strategic guidance, fierce advocacy, or simply a listening ear, your story matters to us. Contact us today to discover how we can help you find clarity, confidence, and peace as you move forward. Click here to become a client.
