Day 4

"But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Matthew 6:17-18

Throughout the ages, those who have made an impact on their generation for the sake of Christ have fasted. This usually involves going without food for a set length of time. Certainly Jesus assumes that his followers will do this as part of their relationship with God. He says, "When you fast..

not "If you

fast...."

Fasting is really feasting. It provides us with an opportunity to feast on God's overwhelming goodness and love for us. We do this during our fast by nourishing ourselves on those words that God speaks to us. We learn that we do not live on bread alone but by every word of God.

When Jesus instructs us not to look somber when we fast, he is not inviting us to mislead others. He knows that we won't really be sad. He has learned from his own experience how fasting leads us to those unseen gifts that come only from God.

Daily Practice

Refrain from eating today between mealtimes — or choose a day to fast. Allow your desires for food to deepen your consciousness of the spiritual resources that God gives you to endure other difficult deprivations. Remember this: Fasting means feasting on the words of God.