Going Deeper with the Lord

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18

The annual Day of Atonement was the only fast God required Israel to keep. However, the Pharisees made a habit of fasting every Monday and Tuesday to gain the attention of less pious Jews. Jesus rebuked them for their pride. While they may have won the praise of men, they lost the blessings of God.

However, if done from a sincere heart, fasting can play an important role in your spiritual growth. It sharpens the mind and provides a time for spiritual cleansing, confession of sin, and renewed sensitivity to God.

Nehemiah fasted and prayed after receiving news of the destruction of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:4). Fasting was the way he expressed his sorrow and distress to God. He literally rolled his burden over onto the Lord while seeking God’s intervention. God answered his prayer through King Artaxerxes, who allowed him to go and rebuild the city’s walls.

Fasting is an act of humility and devotion to God. Therefore, it should never be done with hopes of impressing those around us. When we seek the Lord out of a sincere heart, He always responds by answering our prayers and renewing our hope. The result is a deeper, more satisfying relationship with Him.