Scripture to Read: Matthew 6:16
Fasting is an incredible way to worship our Lord. Jesus also said (in Matthew 6:16) that when we fast, we must “not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do.” Fasting should set our hearts to rejoicing as we fellowship deeply with our Lord and His Word. A beautiful description of fasting and the reasons for fasting is found in Isaiah 58:5–8, “Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the Lord? 6 “Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? 7 “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 “Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” First, fasting is about humbling ourselves before our Lord and recognizing our incredible need for Him and His presence in us every day of our lives. Note, too, in verse 5, as we humble ourselves, we bow before our Lord as another sign of humility since He is our KING!
Challenge & Application
· What should be our attitude when fasting, and why is this so important?
· What should our hearts experience in fasting, and what should others see from our faces, words, and actions?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!