Day 209 - The Reward of Fasting

Emily Green

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 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.” - Matthew 6:16-18 NLT

Matthew 6 is a part of Jesus’s infamous Sermon on the Mount. Before these verses in Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus introduces the Lord’s Prayer. Then, after teaching the people how to pray, He talks about how to fast.

Hopefully, this week has brought some insight and understanding of the importance of fasting and praying. As we close out this teaching, however, we must note the attitude and reward of fasting. As Jesus said in Matthew 6, we don’t fast so other people will notice us. We don’t brag about our fasting or make it public for everyone to see. When we fast in a way that brings more attention to us, the Bible says that is “the only reward [we] will ever get” (Matthew 6:16), meaning that we’ll only get people’s attention!

Instead, fasting is between us and the Lord. We fast to get God’s attention, not to get people’s attention. As you embark on this journey to increase in prayer and fasting, I encourage you not to make it public. Please don’t post about it on your social media or tell everyone you know. You may need to share it with a select few people to hold you accountable, but the heart behind that is different than telling people so you can appear “holy.”

Nothing is “holy” about pride or self-seeking interests, so if you want to become more like Jesus, follow His teaching. Jesus promises that God notices when we fast (Matthew 6:18). We are always in God’s sight, but fasting brings us closer to Him and His perfect will. When we fast the right way, God will reward us for what we do in private, and His reward is great!

Next Steps

  • Think about it: Do I want to fast to gain people’s attention or God’s attention?

  • Think about it: Who in my life is a trusted source that can hold me accountable when I fast?

  • Action Step: Choose something to fast today. Don’t tell anyone (except an accountability partner if needed). Believe that God will reward you for what you do in private!