(Matthew 6:16-18)
16 “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY
Yikes! So, the two main lessons here are definitely two things I struggle with, constantly! I'm one of those people who can become h-angry! I mean, not the kind of h-anger that blurts out nasty things, but I'm certainly not graciously patient! It's either that and/or my concentration abilities go right out the window. And that's just between meals! I definitely need to work on this, as well as trying to implement some times to fast and pray!
It's been said that fasting doesn't even have to be for a long time. Like, I could start by simply skipping my afternoon-snack-meal. In fact, I could just determine that for those random moments where I'm feeling ravenous, I should just stop and take that time to focus on God and pray! I've also heard that one can "fast" - take a break - from whatever it is that is consuming one's time or focus... like playing video games, or watching television, or...
This leads me to the most important point, as well as my next (biggest) struggle. FOCUSING!!! I've never been properly diagnosed, but given my life-long-challenges, it would be quite safe to say that I'm A.D.D. Not ADHD, but there have been a few times in my life where I went to the "H-mode" and it wasn't pretty! So, with God's help, I've developed coping methods, skills and techniques.
I'm sharing this, not to use as an excuse, but it can explain a few things. We all struggle with something, and we learn from each other, and gain understanding. Therefore, besides trying to stay organized and practicing proper social skills... being conscientious and considerate of others, it is all about asking God for help. Constantly! Even when I'm trying to pray - I find myself apologizing to God for drifting away, and asking Him to pray FOR me, and to help me stay focused!
This whole "in secret" stuff is very applicable! I mean, besides humbling one's heart, and not showing off how "religious" one is! But, to go somewhere without distractions, so we can hyper-focus on the Lord! Interestingly, what typically helps me hyper-focus, is if there is something else vying for my attention. I'll use music as an example. There are times when having some noise in the background - helps. So in the same way, having gnawing hunger-pangs could serve in that capacity! But the entire purpose of this fasting should be all about setting set aside a time, where we are extra-focused on God, not in a religious way, but in an intentional, humble, and personal-relationship-kind-of-way.
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