John 4:32-34 | But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Matthew 6:16-18 | “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, deepen our focus on you.
DAILY THOUGHT: FEASTING
When Jesus tells us to look joyful rather than gloomy when we fast, he is not asking us to pretend. He knows from his own times of fasting that, if we fast with God in mind, we will not really be sad. We will begin to have experiences of God’s presence and resources that will strengthen our faith. We will discover first-hand how God is able to sustain our souls and bodies with spiritual food that the world does not know about (see John 4:32, 34). Experiences like these will certainly not make us miserable! They will put a smile on our faces. This is why, as Dallas Willard writes, “Fasting unto our Lord is therefore feasting – feasting on him and on doing his will.”
DAILY PRACTICE:
Pray the daily prayer request. Think about this phrase for a few moments, “Fasting is feasting”. As you do this, share your thoughts and feelings with the Lord. Listen also to what he may say to you. Make a plan that you will go without one meal in the next twenty-four hours. Try not to inconvenience others with your request, for that will simply draw attention to what you are doing! Use this time to read some Scripture, to pray for others and to be aware of your desires as you abstain from food.