Fasting

“When you fast, do not look sombre 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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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.” Matthew 6:16-18

 

Ever feel a bit, well, stuck? Not only spiritually but life in general seems to come to a stop, without any visible for growth. So, what can we do?

 

Showing your devotion to God, and your eagerness for a life with Him can be shown in plenty of different ways, one of which is fasting. According to Google, the act of fasting is to “abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance”. This is a good summary, but it goes a bit deeper than that…

Fasting is about showing your devotion to the Lord, not showing others that you’re serious about ‘Christian stuff’.

 

The word fasting is actually mentioned 17 times from cover to cover of the Bible, so it’s definitely something that’s been talked about. Lent is a prime example of fasting, just as Jesus did for 40 days. Just because it’s done then certainly mean it needs to be an annual thing. But while it’s a common topic, that doesn’t make it a competition. The Lord tells us not to exaggerate the ways in which fasting might be noticeable, but to hide it and continue. Those show of devotion to God which are unseen will receive His rewards in Heaven.

 

It’s also important to remember that Jesus doesn’t insist on fasting in these verses. Busy people certainly need the energy from eating. Jesus seems to assume that fasting is happening but God cares more about your devotion than how many people notice it, or how hungry you might end up being.

 

God is proud of any show of love to Him and Him only. Expressing devotion to Him secures the knowledge that the Lord Our God is beside us, fighting our battles. For who can stop The Lord Almighty?

 

Prayer

Father, I pray to you to ask for guidance for my life, day to day. I thank you for being there for me during the best and the worst times, and for getting me through the ordeals I face. I pray that you will show me in what ways I can show you my devotion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.