Encountering the Father in the Secret Place
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
Last week we talked about feeling the Father’s presence in the secret place. There is indeed, nothing like feeling the presence of the Father in our lives.
In this secret place, we encounter a Father who sees us in secret.
“The God Who Sees,” El Roi, is one of God’s names in the Bible. This reality, that He sees all, the good, the bad, and the ugly, might be quite terrifying for some. It is true that we are never outside of His gaze. It is also true that when He sees you, He is filled with love, desire, and affection for you – the real you that was created for His glory.
When we encounter the God who sees, we then begin to see things the way He sees them. We begin to see ourselves, others, the world, and current events the way He sees. When we fast we gain the perspective of the Father in the secret place.
Exercise: When you fast and pray this week, try asking the Lord the following questions and then take some time to listen.
- Father, how do you see me?
- What do you see when you look at me? How do you see ______________________? Fill in the blank with the name of someone you know.
- How do you see____________________? Choose a city or nation to fill in that space.
Prayer: Father, you are the all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-wise God. No thing or no person is outside your gaze. Help me to see through your eyes of love, compassion, and grace. Holy Spirit, enlighten the eyes of my heart, that I may know the hope of your calling and the riches of your glory.
