The primary purpose of fasting is self-humbling. It is a scriptural means ordained by God for us to humble ourselves before Him. Throughout the bible, God requires his people to humble themselves before Him.

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:4

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. - Matthew 23:12

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. - James 4:10

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. - 1 Peter 5:6

We see from these scriptures that it is our responsibility to humble ourselves. God doesn't tell us to pray "Please God, humble me." Instead, God says "Humble yourself."

So how do we humble ourselves? The definition of humility is a modest or low view of one’s own importance. Biblical humility is seeing ourselves as God see us. As well as acknowledging our sin and need for a Savior, we see ourselves as beloved sons & daughters of God -- someone he sent his son to die for.

Old Testament Examples

David shows us in Psalms 35:13: "I humbled my soul with fasting."

"There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horseman to protect us from our enemies on the road, because we had told the king 'The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.' So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." - Ezra 8:21-23

Ezra had two alternatives: one carnal and one spiritual. Ezra could have asked for a band of soldiers and horsemen. It would not have been sinful, but it would have been a lower level of faith. But he chose the spiritual alternative. Ezra and the Israelites knew how to do this. They fasted and humbled their souls before God.

In 2 Chronicles we see the story of Jehoshaphat the King:

Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar” Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. -  2 Chronicles 20:2-4

Jehoshaphat prayed to God. Here is the end of the prayer: "O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." ( 2 Chronicles 20:12)

The key is acknowledging we have no power. We do not know what to do. So they had to turn to God for supernatural help. They renounced the natural to invoke the supernatural.

What about you? 

Do you need a breakthrough in a relationship? Healing? Power to be obedient? Protection? Provision? Better health? 

While you are fasting, humble yourself, show your flesh that it does not control you, and declare your dependence on God for his miraculous intervening power.