Fasting That Is Seen

41 Days Until Easter

Matthew 6:16–18

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.”

As we walk through this Lenten season, it is important to acknowledge something from the very beginning. Not everyone is participating in a traditional fast. Some may be giving something up, others may simply be leaning in more intentionally, creating space for God through time in His Word and prayer. But regardless of what that looks like for you, the principle remains the same.

This is about making room for God.

This is about shifting our attention, our dependence, and our desire back toward Him.

Jesus speaks directly into that in Matthew 6. He does not say if you fast. He says when you fast. In other words, there is an expectation that there will be moments in our lives where we intentionally set something aside in order to draw closer to God. But just as quickly, He redirects the focus. Do not make it about being seen. Do not make it about appearance. Do not make it about other people.

Because the danger is not just in whether or not we fast.

The danger is in why we do anything at all.

Something that was meant to be deeply personal can slowly become performative. Something that was meant to draw us closer to God can become something that draws attention to ourselves. And if we are not careful, even good spiritual disciplines can drift in that direction.

But Jesus calls us back to something deeper.

Your Father who sees in secret.

Whether you are fasting something specific or simply creating space to meet with God more intentionally, the invitation is the same. Let it be real. Let it be personal. Let it be between you and the Lord.

We live in a world where so much of what we do is tied to external recognition. But there is something deeply powerful about doing something that no one else sees. About opening your Bible in the quiet. About choosing prayer over distraction. About building a rhythm that is not for display, but for your soul.

May you be encouraged today that the time you spend with God is not wasted. It does not need to be publicized to be powerful. The quiet, unseen moments are often where God does His deepest work.

Today, remember that your Father sees what others do not.

And that is more than enough.

Prayer

Lord, help me center this season on You. Whether I am fasting or simply creating space, let it be real and not performative. Teach me to pursue You in the secret place, and remind me that what is done for You in private is never wasted. In Jesus’ name, amen.