Matthew 6:16-18 – “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 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.” (NIV)
Fasting is a secret declaration to ourselves and our heavenly Father that we want more of what He has to give us. It’s a private petition for the rich life that can only be found in more of God and less of the world. God responds to our petitions with His favour and grace causing the cares of this world to seem less important in comparison to the bountifulness of His love.
When we fast, there is a powerful experience that takes place as we willingly surrender those deep satisfactions in the world to make space for more of God. In His patience He waits for us to cry out to him to bring us into the fullness of what He has for us. He loves to respond to the spiritual hunger of His people. But in His pursuit of us, He’s beckoning us, constantly whispering from His Spirit to ours, to give up the distractions and rags of this world for the riches that come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Whether we’re fasting from food, entertainment, relationships, multimedia, drinks, or anything else to make space for more of God, the intention of God for fasting is to fill us up to the overflow. It is God’s intention to realign our life and position us to consistently receive all He has for us. It is through fasting He intends to transform the pangs of separation from whatever we’re fasting for into deep prayers for more of His goodness.
May we be honest with ourselves and be filled with the desire to fast from that which hinders us, thereby preventing us from fully living a rich life.
Today beloved, what do you need to fast for? What’s holding you back from the fullness God longs to give you? Let us meditate on God’s desire for fasting and allow truth to form our attitude on this age-old discipline of fasting.
Read: Matthew 6
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 2:1-11; Matthew 12:22-45; Genesis 32; Genesis 33
