THE FAST - Day 4

Wednesday, January 10



Fasting With Sincerity

Matthew 6:17-18 (NIV)
“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.”

Devotion

Fasting is a challenging endeavor that reminds us of our dependence on God. It’s a spiritual discipline that involves voluntarily abstaining from food for some time to seek God in prayer. In Matthew 6:17-18, Jesus addresses the practice of fasting and emphasizes the importance of doing it with sincerity, rather than for the sake of public approval.

Jesus commends acts of self-sacrifice done quietly and sincerely. He desires that we adopt spiritual disciplines, including fasting, for the right reasons - out of a genuine desire to seek God and grow in our relationship with Him, rather than seeking praise or recognition from others.

Jesus also offered practical advice to his followers. He instructs us to maintain our hygiene by anointing our heads and washing our faces so that our fasting is not obvious to others. This is not to hide our devotion but to ensure that our fasting remains a private and intimate matter between us and our Heavenly Father.
As we continue on this 21-day fast, let us do so with sincerity, humility, and a desire to draw closer to God. May our fasting be a personal and meaningful expression of our faith, rather than a display for the praise of others. And may we trust that our Heavenly Father, who sees our secret acts of devotion, will bring the deliverance we seek (see Joel 2).

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You that You see what is done in secret, and that nothing is hidden from You. I pray that as I fast and cry out and worship and let Scripture wash me, You will transform me. Help me not to pretend or to play church but to seek to please You in all things. Help me not to live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Your word is enough. Oh Lord, help Your word be enough for me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

During a group fast, even when one is sincere, it can be easy to be drawn into a conversation about how one is feeling and what one is fasting. It is easy to start to complain or boast. Watch yourself in this, as Jesus said in verse 16 that when we seek attention from people for our fasting, the attention is our reward. Jesus’ instructions regarding fasting are simple – let us follow them and seek his reward.

Resources:

  • THE FAST - Day 4 Prayer Focus; Pray For God's Presence. (Joshua 1:9)
  • Watch, “The Power of Expectation”, and be encouraged to expect great things from God during this fast.