Encountering the Father in the Secret Place (Week 1)
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and you Father who sees in secret will reward you…
Matthew 6:16-18
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus paints a beautiful picture of what Kingdom-life looks like. We can describe this life like a garden. The beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) are the fruits of the garden, while verses 13-48 are like the weeds and toxins that are unhealthy for a garden. Chapters 6 and 7 are like the nutrients, water, and sunlight that are good and needed in a thriving garden.
One of the nutrients Jesus mentions in Matthew 6:16-18, is fasting. Jesus urges us that when we fast, we should get to the secret place where the Father is waiting. He is already in the secret place.
Where is this secret place? It’s simple. It is wherever and whenever we feel the presence of the Father. It is where he dwells.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Psalm 91:1
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
When we fast, we are saying that the presence of the Father in our lives is our highest priority. There is nothing like feeling the presence of the Father! O, to see the smiling face and fiery eyes of our Father! O, to experience the tenderness of his embrace. O, to hear the Voice of love speaking truth over my heart.
During this fast, let us take the time to get to the secret place – the place where our Father is waiting to interact with us. Then let’s be still and listen, and enjoy.
Exercise: Each day take a minute or two to sit in silence and acknowledge the presence of the Father. Set a timer for 2 minutes and just be still, settle your heart, and quiet your thoughts. The Father is ever-near, but often we cannot be still and quiet enough to become aware if His presence.
Prayer: Father, You are the ever-present help in times of need. Thank you for Your presence. Thank you that You are available. Thank you that you are closer than even a breath. Holy Spirit, help me during this fast to quiet the noise around me and to become present to the reality of the Father’s nearness.
