“Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:12-18

In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about doing certain spiritual disciplines in secret in order to be rewarded. He begins the chapter by telling His disciples to not practice their righteousness in public to be seen by others. He then digs in and develops that idea by applying it to giving, praying and fasting. In these three areas we are called to submit our money, time and eating to the Lord. All three are appetites of the flesh and the submission of these to Christ is to be done “in secret.”

The fast God desires is one in which the stomach growls but the redeemed spirit within us shines.

Jesus is not condemning corporate prayers in public or corporate fasts such as those we are doing together during these 21 days. He is condemning people who participate in fasts who are gloomy, sullen, and agonizing over their fast in order that they would be pitied by others. That is not the fast that God desires. That type of fast is simply a diet that reaps no spiritual benefits.

The fast God desires is one in which the stomach growls but the redeemed spirit within us shines. Fasting is a means to remind us that we do not live by bread alone but we are wholly sustained by the Words of God. It is through this “secret” fasting and prayer that we are able to enter the “secret place.” It is a glorious place of communion with Jesus where our hearts are encouraged and there is healing for all of our brokenness.

Be encouraged today that whether you are drinking only water, fasting sweets, doing the Daniel Fast or some other variation, God looks at your deeds in the secret place and will reward you openly for your joyful sacrifice to Him.

Prayer: Jesus, help us to live in the secret place. Help us to see the supreme value of the spiritual disciplines to humble us and lead us to a deeper relationship with you.