Encountering the Father in the Secret Place
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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
The last two weeks we talked about feeling the Father’s presence in the secret place and gaining His perspective. This week we meditate on the Rewarder – God.
We are told in Hebrews 11 that God is a “rewarder.”
(Heb. 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
In other words, He is a Father who loves to give good gifts. He delights in bringing us delight. And, He is very generous. This is your Father!
Psalm 16 tells us that there are unending pleasures at His right hand. When we draw near to our Father and begin to gain His perspective, we discover that He is full of passion, joy, pleasure, and delight.
We don’t fast to gain His pleasure. It’s nothing we can earn. Pleasure radiates from His being. Fasting helps position our hearts to feel and experience the pleasures of His heart.
Exercise: When you fast, take some time to look up and write down verses about God’s pleasure. Click here for a list of verses about God’s gladness and pleasure. Meditate on one or more of these verses.
Prayer: Father, thank you that you are near and that You see me. Father, pour out your delight, joy, and pleasure upon my heart today. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing with the unending pleasures of God. I want to taste and see Your goodness, and I want to live out of the overflow of your passion. Be near, O God.