FASTING IN SECRET

Matthew 6:17-18
17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; 18 so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. (WEB)

Most of the time when we think of fasting, we think of going without food. But I truly believe that we can 'fast' many things. But whatever it is we choose to fast, our Father absolutely loves it when we keep it between Him and us. He absolutely loves it when we do things in secret as a love offering to Him and Him alone.

Now as I say this, I don't think we should preoccupied with fasting in secret because sometimes sharing what we are doing with a friend might encourage them. I think the point of today's Bible reading is simply that when we do whatever we do with a motive to bless our heavenly Dad, it blesses His heart. His response to such secret devotion to Him is to want to reward us openly in front of the whole family!

My prayer today is that we would all know that our Father sees everything we do in our devotion to Him in secret. Whether it is that secret gift to someone in need or praying in your prayer closet, your Heavenly Father sees what you are doing and He is so proud of you!

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. (WEB)