Dave's Diary

Prayer

Before you read, I invite you to pray this prayer based on Psalm 119:43-44

O Lord, never take your word of truth from my mind or from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I commit myself to strive constantly to obey your commands and to walk in Your ways. Amen.

Briefly prepare your heart in silence, and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your awareness of the voice of God, coming to you through His Word.

Reading

Matthew 6:16-18 (NIVUK)

From today’s reading, it is apparent that Jesus expects His followers to fast from time to time. And while there are no hard and fast laws for when or how to do this, Jesus is very clear:

¹⁷ But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. ¹⁸ Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. (NLT)

Fasting is technically speaking the act of going without food for a period of time in order to sharpen our focus on God Himself. More broadly it is to deprive ourselves of something in a way that creates physical hunger or craving, so as to leverage that hunger or craving to move us to seek God. When we fast with this focus on seeking God, whenever we feel the desire for food (or something else we may be fasting from), we immediately say to the Lord, “Lord, I long for You even more than I long for food right now! Come to me and meet with me, Lord. Satisfy my longing for You.”

When approached in this way, fasting proves to be a means of grace – a channel through which God’s gracious presence and love can flow to us. And somehow, fasting enables us to sense a deeper connection to the Lord.

Jesus warns us against fasting for other selfish aims. He bluntly states that if we fast to gain the admiration of others, that admiration is the only reward we’ll receive. Sadly, we’ll probably be okay with that because that was what we are after in the first place. But if we fast purely to receive the “reward” of God’s greater presence and pleasure, this will indeed be our reward.

Perhaps this is simply a timely reminder for you because you’ve decided to fast in some way this Lent. Or perhaps it is an invitation to you to consider fasting in some way. But whatever you choose to do (in the freedom Jesus gives you), make sure that your desire is for the Lord and Him alone. Then your reward will be very, very great. For, as the Lord said to Abraham: “I am … your very great Reward!” (Genesis 15:1)

Is the Lord calling you to fast in some way this Lent? Respond in joyful obedience.

Contemplation

Please take time to ponder what Jesus has commanded us. Turn this declaration over in your mind. Keep it in mind throughout the day and live in step with Your King, Jesus.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ: When I fast, I will fast to seek the Lord and His pleasure, and for no lesser reward.

Lord, I long for You. Please help me to discern if You are calling me to fast this Lent. And as I fast (if that is Your calling), help me to seek You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen.