When You Fast

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:16-18 (KJV)

Jesus tells us to fast. He fasted, giving us an example to follow. In this passage, He says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” When Jesus tells us to do something, He gives us a grace, or an ability, to do it.

We fast to control our flesh, to hear God, to obey God. However, we don’t do it in our own strength, but by God’s Spirit. We don’t fast as the hypocrites do, like play actors who play a part on a stage. We don’t play act or do things for public recognition; we need to be real with God.

When you fast, just keep your same appearance- happy and peaceful- so as not to bring attention to yourself. This is to be between you and God. Your focus is on God, so you can let people see God in you. Fast as unto God and not unto men. God rewards those with right hearts. Look neat and proper. Keep yourself looking presentable- whether you are fasting or not. Be consistent in your walk with God all the time.

Look to God to reward your efforts, not people. Fast secretly before God. Others don’t need to know when you are fasting unless it is a corporate fast in which a number of people are participating. And your family may need to know so they understand why you’re not joining them at mealtimes. Otherwise, you don’t need to broadcast that you are fasting.

Keep your heart and motives right. That which we do in secret is seen by God, and He will reward us openly. Spiritual things done in secret have public rewards.

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I encourage you to read Isaiah 58, which speaks of fasting and its benefits.