What practical steps can you take to fast privately, as Matthew 6:17 suggests? Understanding Jesus’ Instruction Matthew 6:17 — “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,” Matthew 6:18 — “so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The Lord’s words are literal: look normal, stay groomed, and keep the fast just between yourself and God. No show, no attention-drawing behavior, only quiet devotion that God alone observes (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). Preparing Your Heart • Confess any known sin (1 John 1:9). • Forgive anyone who has wronged you (Mark 11:25). • Clarify the purpose of the fast—seeking God’s guidance, interceding for others, deepening intimacy with Him (Isaiah 58:6-7). • Ask the Spirit to strengthen self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Planning Your Fast • Choose the type: – Complete abstinence from food for a set period (Esther 4:16). – Partial fast, limiting certain foods (Daniel 10:2-3). – Sunrise-to-sunset fast, eating in the evening (Judges 20:26). • Decide the length: one meal, one day, several days—start small if new to fasting. • Schedule it on days you can quietly withdraw for prayer without arousing curiosity. • Inform only those who must know (spouse, doctor) but request their discretion. Guarding Privacy in Practical Ways • Maintain normal hygiene: shower, shave, style hair, use deodorant—“anoint your head and wash your face.” • Dress as usual; avoid looking gaunt or pitiable. • Decline food graciously without elaborate explanations—“I’ve already eaten, thank you” or “I’m unable just now.” • Continue normal routines at work or school; avoid broadcasting your fast on social media. • Don’t substitute bragging in private circles; secrecy applies even with close Christian friends unless accountability is absolutely necessary. Using the Time for Spiritual Focus • Replace meal times with Scripture reading and prayer; meditate on passages like Psalm 63, Isaiah 58, Matthew 4:1-11. • Keep a journal of insights—privately. • Offer worship and thanksgiving (Psalm 34:1). • Intercede for specific needs; pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly (Matthew 6:9-13). • Listen in silence for God’s direction (James 1:5). Living Out the Fast with Integrity • Guard your heart from pride (Luke 18:11-14). • Serve others quietly; fasting and acts of mercy belong together (Isaiah 58:7-10). • Maintain kindness and patience; irritability betrays self-focus (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Keep speech edifying; no hinting that you are fasting (Proverbs 27:2). Breaking the Fast Wisely • Thank God for sustaining you and for lessons learned (Psalm 116:12-14). • Reintroduce food slowly—light broth or juice, then small portions. • Continue the spirit of humility; live the devotion you practiced while fasting (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Store the experience in memory, ready to fast again when the Lord leads. Summary Fasting privately follows Jesus’ simple, literal instruction: stay well-groomed, keep it secret, and focus wholly on the Father. As you prepare, plan, guard your privacy, and direct your hunger toward God, He who sees in secret will reward you openly with deeper fellowship and answered prayer. |
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