The Sermon on the Mount – Fasting
<–back to The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 6:16-18
And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.
But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face,
So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.
Fasting is something that we do for several reasons. We can fast while seeking a clear answer from the Lord. We can fast corporately (church wide) for the future of our church. We can fast as a form of worship unto the Lord. We can fast to get a reign on a habit that we need to lay down.
Fasting is something that we should all do on a regular basis. You don’t have to not eat and only drink water for 40 days to fast properly. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that is wrong. I am simply pointing out that there are many ways to fast.
- We can fast television, computer, reading, or something else that we really enjoy.
- We can fast an activity that takes up too much of our time, and gain a better perspective.
- We can fast sweets, coffee, soda, or a meal or two a day.
- We can fast all food.
There are MANY things that we can fast. As you seek God and fast on a regular basis, He will reveal more and more ways of fasting.
There is also no “set amount of time” that we should be fasting. You can fast 3 days to 40 days. God is only impressed with our hearts, not our “performance.”
Let’s say you have been seeking God about something on a regular basis and you are not getting any clear answers…You may need to fast. You may need to make a sacrifice of praise unto the Lord and press for your answer. Maybe you are someone who is addicted to your daily coffee fix. You can prayerfully bring it before the Lord and lay it down for a week. And every time you get that need for coffee, you pray about your situation.
Perhaps you are someone who needs to go further in your fasting. Let’s say coffee isn’t going to cut it. You are someone who needs to fast all food for three days or longer. Every time that you feel hungry, you pray.
The point is, whatever you are giving up is your “reminder” to seek the Lord. When you feel the hunger pains, or need that cup of coffee, or really want to watch a television show, that is when you go and pray. That is when you seek His face. You sacrifice what you want or “think” that you need and pray, seek, praise, pray, seek praise, pray…
Fasting can also be a way to a deeper walk with the Lord. It can simply be about wanting more of God. Do not use fasting only as a way of seeking answers. Use it as a form of worship.
Whatever the reason or way that we fast, we must do it with a good attitude and a worshipful heart. It must never be something that we boast or complain about. When we choose to have a bad attitude, complain, or become boastful, we are making it about us…not God. We are not really fasting. We are not pleasing God. We are sinning.
Fasting is also something that should be between us and God. We don’t need to share it with our friends. It is between you and God.
Let’s Pray,
Daddy God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching me how to gain better understanding and know You more deeply through fasting. Show me how and what You would want me to fast. Help me to put into practice on a regular basis what I have learned. Help me to press deeper each time and seek more and more of You. Help me to always find You and to grow with each fast. Thank You for loving me and teaching me. Thank You that man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of Your Mouth. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved