Is it relevant?

Good morning brothers and sisters. I am sitting and pondering some questions. But one question is sticking in my mind- is fasting relevant today? Do people still fast? And most people associate fasting with food and while most of the time it is; it doesn't always have to be. There is no command from Jesus that we should fast. There is no set time. So I wanted to really dig into fasting and see what is said about it. Fasting is temporarily not eating or doing something that has too much of our time. The reason it is associated with food, is because food is something the body needs to survive. And to be honest- people love food. As I was studying, I noticed one thing, when they fasted it was always to focus on God. It was usually before a big decision. It was always with prayer. It is removing one thing to better connect with God. We all say we are busy, but is there something we could give up just to get closer with our Lord and Savior? Fasting gives us a new perspective and a new reliance on God. It is when we are fasting, we are fully reliant on Him to fulfill all our needs. Most people do it around Lent but it can be done anytime. But I think because we have lost the meaning of so many things, we do it at Lent because it is what has always been done. Jesus only gives one thing for us to do when fasting and it is found in Matthew. Matthew 6:16-18. 16-Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you they have their reward. 17- But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18- so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Fasting is something between you and your Creator. Keep it that way. I wondered if His children fasted and prayed more, what would happen? Rise up child of God, rise up!