A Spiritual Fast
Matthew 6:16-18
The Upward Look
© Copyright 2013, Max D. Hutto,
“And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. 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 you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Matthew 6:16-18 NASB
A spiritual fast is generally done in order to draw closer to God. It requires refraining from eating food so that time and energy normally spent eating is instead devoted to seeking to know God in deeper ways and to seeking His will for a specific issue. Jesus stated that the hypocrites fasted so that others would recognize and praise them. A righteous person will fast privately seeking only recognition from God.
Lord Jesus, help me to draw closer to You this day by spending time in Your Word, the Bible, and in prayer.
January 18, 2013
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